Little Village community groups call for peace talk a week after police fatally shoot 13-year-old boy

More than a week after a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by Chicago police, community members are calling for a peace talk with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Ogden District commander.

“We have called on him to talk peacefully,” said Baltazar Enriquez, a community activist, about Chicago Police Department Cmdr. Gilberto Calderon. “To bring him to the table for him to mourn with us, for him to cry with us and for him to suffer what we are suffering.”

Holding signs stating, “Justice for Adam,” the group also called for the release of any videos that will show the moments leading to when Adam Toledo was gunned down by police early March 29 in the 2400 block of South Sawyer Avenue. Officials did not disclose that the person who was shot was a minor until days after the shooting. Since then, community groups have held protests and vigils for Toledo.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

He described Toledo as “our George Floyd,” pointing out policies are already changing because of the shooting. Lightfoot previously said she has directed Chicago police to draft a new foot pursuit policy.

Kristian Armendariz, 23, of Little Village, was among those who called for officials to come to the neighborhood to speak with community members to improve relations between police and residents. He also said the group wants to see a community-led review board that would look into police discipline.

“I shouldn’t have to fear for my life seeing a squad car pass by me, but instead I’m terrified for my life,” he said, pointing out he could be stereotyped because he’s Latino and lives in Little Village.

The group decried reports about alleged retaliation against police officers in the area. Enriquez said residents in Little Village are hardworking and “not cop killers.”

After chanting Toledo’s name, the group shared food in the parking lot of Farragut Career Academy while others stopped in front of a makeshift memorial surrounded by religious candles.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Elvia Malagón’s reporting on social justice and income inequality is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.