Police say 14-year-old Deonta Brown and a 31-year-old man were shot around 3:45 p.m. near 77th and Kingston in the South Shore neighborhood. The offender fled the scene on foot.
Both victims were taken to the hospital and are in critical condition.
Brown's family confirms that the eighth grade football player is at Comer Children's Hospital, recovering from a gunshot wound. His coach says Brown went home after school and would have returned later.
"Unfortunately, that didn't happen. We had some kids run to the school and say Deonta Brown was shot," said Coach Capricio Wilson.
Witnesses and Brown's family and coach say he was an innocent bystander.
"It doesn't seem like he was the intended target...his target was football practice today. So it's unfortunate, we're pulling for him and we just hope for the best," said Wilson.
After Brown was shot, witnesses say he ran and collapsed down the block.
"When I got down there I didn't think he was alive. He was breathing very slowly. And then the ambulance came really quickly," said Sheri Abdalla, witness.
The shooting alarmed residents, especially since Bradwell Elementary is nearby.
"It's sad. They need to do just something and stop the violence," said Stephanie Smith, resident.
Wilson said Brown was a young man on track.
"Brave. Big heart, big voice...a very talented kid," said Wilson.
Police are searching for the gunman who opened fire. No arrests have been made.
