Chicago

Dispatcher Charged in Shooting of Teen During Traffic Dispute: Police

A Chicago dispatcher has been charged with shooting an 18-year-old woman following a traffic dispute that turned physical earlier this week, police said. 

Keli McGrath, 46, was charged with one count of felony aggravated battery -discharge of a firearm, according to police said. She is expected to appear in court Friday. 

McGrath, a dispatcher for the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, allegedly shot the 18-year-old woman in the chest at about 1:49 p.m. Wednesday in the city’s McKinley Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side.

The 18-year-old’s condition was not immediately known, but a Chicago Fire Department official said she was also taken to Stroger.

McGrath was transported to Stroger Hospital with a head injury where her condition had stabilized.

Police confirmed she had a license to carry a concealed weapon.

At least two children were also transported to the hospital, whose ages were not immediately known. It was not immediately clear which of the women the kids were travelling with.

Area Central detectives were investigating.

OEMC operates the public safety communications system for the city and manages emergency situations, including by fielding 911 calls.

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