\n<\/p>\n
The alleged gunman who shot two teen boys, one fatally, said he was \u201cdefending\u201d himself when he opened fire at them Thursday in Douglass Park on Chicago\u2019s West Side.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose two kids attacked me and followed me,\u201d the gunman, 55 of of Lake View, allegedly said to responding police officers, according to a police report. <\/p>\n
The two teens were at the park about 7 p.m. in the 1400 block of South Sacramento Drive when the alleged gunman approached them and fired shots, Chicago police said in a statement. <\/p>\n
The 15-year-old, who suffered a gunshot wound to his \u201clower right flank\u201d was taken to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:39 p.m., according to the report. <\/p>\n
The 14-year-old boy, shot in the neck, was also taken to Stroger, where he was in serious condition. <\/p>\n
According to the report, when responding officers got to the scene they spotted a large crowd gathered by a basketball court. Several waved officers down, shouting \u201cover there!\u201d <\/p>\n
Officers found the alleged shooter, kneeling the ground and they asked him if he was shot. He replied: \u201cI\u2019m not shot, I\u2019m the lifeguard,\u201d the report said.<\/p>\n
Officers found a gun next to his right knee and before he was arrested he allegedly told police he was defending himself. <\/p>\n
\u201cThose two kids attacked me and followed me,\u201d he allegedly said, according to the report. \u201cI defended myself, I have a license.\u201d <\/p>\n
A 33-year-old woman who was a witness told police she was standing next to the alleged gunman who was fixing his bike when a group including the two victims \u201cbegan approaching\u201d him, according to the report. <\/p>\n
The witness saw him reach into his bookbag, grab his gun and fire two rounds, hitting the two teens, the report said. <\/p>\n
No charges have been announced. <\/p>\n
The Chicago Park District closed the Douglass Park pool Friday \u201cout of care and respect for the park staff and community members impacted by yesterday\u2019s events,\u201d though the fieldhouse and all activities will continue as scheduled with additional security present, according to park district officials. They said the Chicago Department of Public Health is offering crisis support services to the park staff and residents of the surrounding community, though details were not shared.<\/p>\n
The Park District confirmed the alleged shooter is an employee. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred at Douglass Park,\u201d spokesperson Michele Lyons said in a statement to the Sun-Times Friday morning. \u201cIn spite of this tragic event, Douglass Park remains a safe and vibrant community anchor…We have initiated a thorough internal review to understand what happened leading up to yesterday\u2019s shooting and identify appropriate action.\u201d<\/p>\n
Area 4 detectives are investigating.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n