CHICAGO (WLS) — According to Chicago police, a 15-year-old female student sustained injuries in a shooting that occurred outside a charter school on the South Side on Tuesday morning.
The shooting took place at about 7:41 a.m. in the 8200-block of South Lafayette outside a Perspectives charter school.
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Police said the girl was walking when an unknown black sedan approached and two male suspects got out and opened fire.
The girl was shot in the left thigh and transported to Comer Children’s Hospital in fair condition.
Police said the suspects got back in the sedan and fled southbound.
This all happened right as students were getting dropped off at school.
“While my brother was dropping me off at school, we noticed a girl lying on the ground with a significant police presence ensuring her well-being,” shared student Toriyonna Hollingsworth.
Many parents circled back to pick-up their children or decided not to drop them off.
“Considering the gravity of the situation, I might just take him back home,” expressed parent Latrice. “The fact that a shooting took place so early raises concerns about the safety of returning for the rest of the school day or even during lunch hours. It’s a worrisome situation.”
“I got to their classroom with them and I said, ‘What do you guys want to do?’ and I know they were looking for an after school program but that’s not going to happen today so we are going to go home,” parent Demetris Hardy said.
School officials say classes will go on Tuesday and it is up to the parents if they want to pick up their children early.
A spokesperson for the school released a statement saying, “This morning, a Perspectives student was shot outside of our school. Our thoughts are with the students, their families, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed on a soft lockdown, and the Chicago Police Department responded immediately.
“This remains an active investigation, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement. We are also working closely with the Chicago Public Schools Office of Safety and Security to ensure safe passage home for all students.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Counseling and support services are available for those in need.”
No one is in custody and Area Two detectives are investigating.
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