Boy, 15, Grazed In Streeterville Shooting During Teen Gathering, Police Say

STREETERVILLE -- A 15-year-old boy was injured in a shooting during a large gathering of teens on Friday night in Streeterville, prompting ongoing police investigations. The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. when officers patrolling near Columbus Drive and Illinois Street heard gunfire and witnessed a crowd dispersing. They discovered the boy on the ground with a graze wound to his leg.

Emergency medical personnel treated the boy at the scene before transporting him to Lurie Children's Hospital, where he was reported to be in good condition. Despite the violence, no arrests have been made as police continue their inquiries into the events surrounding the shooting.

The gathering, which drew hundreds of teens, escalated into fights before the gunfire erupted, leading to renewed concerns among local officials. This incident follows another shooting earlier in the month, when a 46-year-old woman was wounded near the AMC River East theater, which also stemmed from a teen gathering.

In response to these violent outbreaks, there have been calls for implementing an 8 p.m. curfew for minors in the Downtown area. Alderman Brian Hopkins has advocated for this change, citing the need to address the growing trend of violence during such gatherings. However, Mayor Brandon Johnson has opposed these measures, arguing that it would merely shift the issue to other neighborhoods rather than resolving it.

During the city's Teen Bash at Navy Pier, Johnson emphasized the importance of providing constructive activities for teens instead of imposing stricter curfews. His stance reflects a broader commitment to engaging youth in positive ways to mitigate violence and enhance community safety.