The boy was hit by stray bullets at approximately 9 p.m. Sunday in the 4200-block of West Fifth Avenue, which is about one block from Sumner Math and Science Community Academy.
On Monday afternoon, police were questioning a person of interest in connection with the shooting.
The boy was sitting on his own porch with other family members when he was caught in the crossfire, according to a witness. He was shot twice in the arm.
Police believe the shooter was aiming at someone in a nearby vehicle, and instead hit the 7-year old. Neighbors said this particular block is usually quiet because of the school across the street.
"He's a good little kid. He's just out here playing with his brothers and sisters, cousins and other neighborhood kids. It's actually shocking to me because this is, like I said, one of the only spots that kids really have to play around here," said witness Lavelle Tubbs.
The 7-year-old was treated and released from the hospital. He was recovering at home Monday, but a family spokesperson said he and his loved ones were traumatized by the shooting.
"Getting shot in the arm twice, it's just crazy right now. Just give them a little time right now because it's too much tragedy everywhere, not just here, but everywhere. So, they want to have their privacy right now. The whole concern is the baby right now. They don't need all of this, you know. The world already knows it's on the news. So, they just need some privacy," said Regina Yancy.
"He's as sweet as he can be. My daughter called me and asked me to go over there and find out what is his favorite snack because she's going to bring him some snacks over to cheer him up," neighbor Jeanette Pruitt said.
This shooting and others happened on the same weekend that Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new gun safety measure into law. For the first time, background checks for all gun purchases are now required statewide. All lost or stolen guns must be reported within 72 hours, and all gun sellers, including private ones, must verify that buyers have a valid firearm owners identification card, known as a FOID card.
Many of those hit by gunfire were young men in their 20s.
"This law really aims at holding those straw buyers accountable -- buying a gun and then turning it around and giving it to a gang member out on the street," said Cook Co. State's Attorney Anita Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Chicago police say they think the shooting that wounded the boy stemmed from an argument earlier Sunday.
