Girl, 13, in critical condition after being shot in Evanston
EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) -- A 13-year-old girl was shot Monday evening on the west side of Evanston.
Officer responded to the shooting in the 1300 block of Fowler Avenue at approximately 6:20 p.m., according to Evanston police.
As of 10 p.m., it was still a very active scene. For hours, police had been going in and out of the home outside which the shooting happened.
CBS 2's Marybel González spoke with an Evanston police commander off camera Monday night. The commander said the teen was fighting for her life late Monday after she was shot in the neck.
#Evanston PD responded to a shooting in the 1300 block of Fowler at approx 6:20pm. Upon arrival officers located a 13 year old female the suffered a GSW. Victim was transported by @EvanstonFD to an area hospital in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/q5SNBl5SAw
— Evanston, IL Police (@EvanstonPD) July 26, 2022
According to Evanston police, the shooting happened when a group of teens were hanging out in the backyard of the home. Someone fired a gun over the fence and a bullet struck the 13-year-old girl, who was among those gathering.
The girl was rushed to AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital in critical condition.
Late Monday, police had closed off access to the home. They did not provide information on who the homeowner is or if they were present when the shooting happened.
The commander said police do not believe the girl was the target of the shooting, and no one else was injured during the incident.
Police late Monday were still investigating the motive and looking for whoever was responsible for the shooting.
While there was a large police presence in the area, residents were urged to use caution.
Non-residents are advised to avoid the area.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Evanston police at (847) 866-5000.