13-Year-Old Charged in South Shore Shooting of 14-Year-Old

Authorities arrested the suspect, a 13-year-old male, less than an hour after the incident.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A 13-year-old male has been charged with aggravated battery for shooting and injuring a 14-year-old male in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood. The suspect was arrested about an hour after the incident occurred on February 5th.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving minors is an ongoing concern in Chicago, where youth crime and access to firearms remain persistent challenges for law enforcement and community leaders. This incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of youth violence and provide support systems for at-risk youth.

The details

According to the Chicago Police Department, the 13-year-old suspect was arrested at 5 p.m. on February 5th in the 7200 block of S. Merrill Avenue. He was identified as the person who shot and injured the 14-year-old male in the 1900 block of E. 72nd Street less than an hour earlier.

  • The shooting incident occurred on February 5th.
  • The 13-year-old suspect was arrested about an hour after the shooting, at 5 p.m. on February 5th.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that provided details about the incident and the arrest of the 13-year-old suspect.

13-year-old male suspect

The underage individual who was arrested and charged with aggravated battery for the shooting of a 14-year-old male.

14-year-old male victim

The teenage victim who was shot and injured in the incident.

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What’s next

The 13-year-old suspect will appear in juvenile court to face the charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Chicago faces in addressing youth violence and access to firearms. Community leaders and law enforcement will need to continue working together to provide support systems and address the root causes that lead some young people to commit acts of violence.