Chicago student-athlete paralyzed in shooting outside his Little Village home

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A promising Chicago high school student and athlete was paralyzed in a shooting outside of his Little Village home.

Jonathan was an athlete at his high school, running cross country and playing baseball. His mother, who doesn't want to be identified for safety reasons, says that changed in the early morning hours of April 10, 2016.

"He was shot at seven to eight times. Fortunately, only one bullet struck him. But that one bullet was enough to do all the damage," his mother said.

She says Jonathan went to the family's car, which was parked out front of their Little Village home, to get his phone charger when he was confronted by a man armed with a gun. The man fired several shots.

"He said something to the effect of, 'What's up little homie? Run that,' and then said something like 'West Side' and opened fire on him," his mother said.

Jonathan's parents say they don't know why this happened to their son. He has no gang affiliation. They're speaking out because they want the person who did this behind bars.

"We believe it was a random. Because like I said, he knows nobody here," his father said.

Jonathan has a long road ahead. He remains at Mount Sinai Hospital. Doctors tell them Jonathan is paralyzed, but they're hopeful he will walk again.

Chicago police are investigating, but they need the public's help. If you have any information, you're asked to give them a call.