16-year-old boy shot by Chicago Police charged

A 16-year-old boy who was shot by Chicago Police Friday night in the West Englewood neighborhood on the South Side has been charged.

The teen was charged as a juvenile with aggravated assault of a peace officer with a weapon and unlawful use of a weapon, according to Chicago Police. His name was not released because of his age.

Englewood District tactical officers patrolling in the 1600 block of West 71st Street about 7:30 p.m. Friday saw a group of males standing in the alley and, as they approached, one teen ran away while holding his side, according to a statement from police.

The officers gave chase and during the pursuit the teen turned and pointed a gun at the officers, prompting one to shoot him, police said.

A “young male adult” was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition, according to Chicago Fire Department Cmdr. Frank Velez.

A weapon was recovered at the scene and no officers were injured in the shooting, police said.

Police said Sunday the 16-year-old boy has since been released from the hospital. He is next scheduled to appear in juvenile court on Sept. 14.

The Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates all police-involved shootings, is looking into the the incident, according to spokesman Larry Merritt.

Less than 24 hours earlier, police shot a 14-year-old boy in the leg in the South Chicago neighborhood after he refused to drop a handgun while being chased by officers, police said. He was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital.