Man shot, wounded at North Avenue Beach; 3 officers injured breaking up fight hours later
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A man was in critical condition late Wednesday after being shot at the North Avenue Beach the night before.
Afterward, three Chicago Police officers were injured while breaking up a fight blocks away in nearby Old Town.
A flyer posted to social media invited people to attend a "trend" at the beach Tuesday evening. It was around 4 p.m. when young people started showing up at North Avenue Beach for the event.
With conditions still sunny and hot before nightfall Tuesday evening, the Chicago Police Department made two arrests between 5 and 6 p.m.
Officers said while the gathering started off peaceful – with visitors having a fun time in the water and on the volleyball court – it went on to turn violent.
During a bag check, officers found a 9mm handgun in a fanny pack. A 22-year-old man was arrested, and faces one felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
A 21-year-old man was arrested after a second gun was found in a bag.
"Consequences for having a gun when you're arrested will deter - real consequences for having a gun will deter people from having guns in these circumstances," said police Supt. David Brown.
But the violence escalated. At 7:56 p.m. Tuesday on the beach near the Castaways Bar & Grill and the beach changing house, a 19-year-old man was shot multiple times by another man.
The victim was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition.
Police said people were dancing in the water, but soon enough, they heard women screaming and fighting.
"Officers see a muzzle flash from nearby, hear shots being fired, and a 19-year-old sustained multiple gunshot wounds," Brown said.
Officers said two men ran from the scene. One of them threw a fanny pack and a handgun was found inside.
The suspect who threw the bag with the gun inside made an escape. The second suspect was arrested.
Police released surveillance images and video of the man still wanted in the shooting.
He is seen running on the concrete alongside the beach and tossing what appears to be the fanny pack police mentioned into the bushes beyond a sand fence.
"A Glock handgun with an extended magazine was recovered from that bag," Brown said.
"A Glock handgun with an extended magazine was recovered from that bag," Brown said.
As he spoke about the search for the shooter Wednesday afternoon, Supt. Brown described what he believes is happening time and time again between young people in Chicago.
"Personal conflicts being resolved with gun play, I think, is the best characterization of what's been happening in these circumstances," Brown said.
The trouble was not over after the shooting. As police tried to corral the crowds away from the beach, a fight broke out blocks over at North Avenue and Wells Street just two hours later. Three teens were arrested and charged.
An officer with scrapes and arm laceration and a second officer with a swollen eye were treated on the scene.
A third officer was struck with an unidentified object in the back and taken to a local hospital.
The a 16-year-old boy faces three counts of felony aggravated battery to officers and reckless conduct. A 16-year-old girl and two 15-year-old boys were also taken into custody.
"Don't bring guns to the beach," said Supt. Brown. It's just not something that's going to make us safe - regardless of the reasons that you think is the reason why you're doing it."
Neighbors near the beach say they're disappointed as the shooting happened on the first official day of summer.
"Violence is disturbing but I think we have to be aware, be cautious and protect your community; protect your neighbors," said Colleen Nolan.
"It's really disappointing, the gun violence is disgraceful," said Tamunodiepiriwye Bamson. "It's just really disappointing like wow; someone has to bring violence to a happy place. This is everyone's happy place; people are trying to enjoy their weekend."
Brown ensures police will continue to be at the beach.
Police said they have stepped up both patrols at the beach and in nearby neighborhoods – and are using enhanced security measures such as mobile lighting.
"There was a significant police presence on North Avenue Beach, and there will continue to be significant presence on the beach," Brown said. "Don't bring guns to the beach. It's something that's not going to make us safe."
Anyone with information about the shooting suspect still at large is asked to call Area Three Detectives at (312) 744-8261.
