CHICAGO — Chicago police continue to question a lifeguard about a shooting that killed one teenager and injured another not far from the pool and basketball courts at Douglass Park.
“He would not do something like this unprovoked,” a person who knew the man told WGN Investigates.
That person requested anonymity but shared that the man is a Marine veteran who owns several guns. He reportedly told police he is a concealed carry license holder and felt “attacked” before firing. A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed. A 14-year-old remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound.
The shooting was captured on video, according to police officers at the scene.
“Looks like a male white, white cap, grey shirt, short pants. He’s fixing a bicycle. He jumps up and starts shooting,” is how an officer described the video to dispatchers.
The Sun-Times reports that before the alleged gunman was arrested, he was found kneeling on the ground with a gun next to his knee.
“Those two kids attacked me and followed me,” he allegedly said, according to the police report. “I defended myself, I have a license.”
According to the Sun-Times, a witness told police she was standing next to the alleged gunman, who was fixing his bike, when a group, that included the two teens, approached him.
The witness said the man reached into his bag and grabbed his gun, then fired the weapon and struck the teens, according to the Sun-Times.
No charges have been announced. An investigation is ongoing.
One of the teenagers shot is a cousin of Laquan McDonald, who was gunned down by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014 resulting in the officer being convicted of second-degree murder and sent to prison.
The Chicago Park District released the following statement regarding the Douglas Park shooting:
“The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred at Douglass Park. We continue to cooperate with the Chicago Police Department as they conduct their active investigation. The Park District has made the decision to close Douglass Park pool today out of care and respect for the park staff and community members impacted by yesterday’s events. The District is working with the Chicago Department of Public Health to offer crisis support services to the park staff and residents of the surrounding community,” a Park District spokesperson said. “In spite of this tragic event, Douglass Park remains a safe and vibrant community anchor. The fieldhouse will be open today during normal operating hours and all programs will be held as scheduled. Additional Park security and other staff will be present throughout the day.”
