13-Year-Old Charged in Shooting Near Elementary School

Witness recognized suspect as student at nearby Bouchet Elementary

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:31pm

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A 13-year-old boy has been charged with shooting a 14-year-old after a witness who saw the crime recognized the gunman as a student at a nearby elementary school. The victim was standing on the sidewalk when he was shot in the thigh with a rifle around 4:11 p.m. Thursday. Officers searched the area and arrested the 13-year-old suspect, who is charged with aggravated battery by discharging a firearm and unlawful possession of a rifle.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence involving minors in Chicago neighborhoods, raising concerns about school safety and the need for stronger measures to keep firearms out of the hands of young people.

The details

According to police, the 14-year-old victim was standing on the sidewalk in the 1900 block of East 72nd Place when he was shot in the thigh with a rifle around 4:11 p.m. Thursday. A witness who called 911 identified the gunman and his companion by name, telling police both were students at Bouchet Elementary Math & Science Academy, just a block from where the shooting occurred. Officers searched the area and arrested the 13-year-old suspect around 5 p.m. in the 7200 block of South Merrill Avenue.

  • The shooting occurred around 4:11 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The 13-year-old suspect was arrested around 5 p.m. on the same day.

The players

Bouchet Elementary Math & Science Academy

An elementary school located just a block from where the shooting occurred, which the suspect and his companion were reportedly attending.

13-year-old suspect

The minor charged with aggravated battery by discharging a firearm and unlawful possession of a rifle.

14-year-old victim

The teenager who was shot in the thigh and treated at the scene, listed in fair condition.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the 13-year-old suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence involving minors, including improved school safety measures, better access to mental health resources, and stricter regulations on firearm ownership and storage.