A boy who was described as a Kenwood Academy High School “community member” was fatally shot on the city’s South Side Friday afternoon, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
Minutes after noon, paramedics were called to 5035 S. East End Ave. for a call that a teenage boy had been shot multiple times, said CFD spokesperson Larry Merritt.
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“He was DOA,” Merritt said, adding he was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Kenwood Academy, 5015 S Blackstone Ave., is located just a few blocks away from the East End Avenue address.
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At about 1:25 p.m., Kenwood’s principal, Karen Calloway, sent a note to parents of students that said a “member of our school community” was involved and the school was placed on lockdown.
“This afternoon, we received reports that shots had been fired near our school and that a member of our school community had been injured,” the note said. “The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and paramedics responded to the scene quickly to provide support. During the police response, we kept students indoors as a safety precaution.”
“Today we chose to do a “soft” lockdown and canceled off-campus lunch. We ordered pizza for students who need lunch, and instruction is taking place as usual,” the note said.
“Please know that we are taking this situation extremely seriously, and we have requested additional safety support for our school.”
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“Our thoughts are with the family of our school community member,” said the note.
Near the scene of the attack, north of Hyde Park Boulevard, police vehicles diverted traffic away from 50th Place and East End Avenue.
As of 3 p.m. the school campus appeared quiet, with only a few people walking out and leaving the school by car.
At 3:35 p.m., four Chicago police SUVs, one with its blue lights flashing, were parked in front of the school’s main entrance. At least one officer stood outside a SUV.
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An additional four officers stood outside the school at the corner of Hyde Park Boulevard and Blackstone Avenue next to two parked unmarked police cars.
A woman walking quickly with a group of apparent students left the school but declined to speak to a Tribune reporter.
Check back for details.
