CPD said a male suspect known to police walked up to a group of people in the 3500-block of North Long Avenue in the city's Portage Park neighborhood about 9:40 p.m.
That suspect then shot the girl, Serabi Medina, in the head on the sidewalk outside her home. She was with her father, and had just gotten ice cream moments before she was shot.
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Several neighbors heard the gunshots. When her father saw the gunman, he tried to stop him. Witnesses said the gunman was hit in the face with a bullet from his own gun, which police recovered at the scene.
"He ran over there, football-tackled this guy. The weapon discharged and struck the offender," said community activist Andrew Holmes.
The girl was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, and she died a short time later, police said.
The suspect was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition. Detectives searched his home on Sunday.
SEE ALSO: Man in critical condition after exchanging gunfire with officers in South Shore: Chicago police
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It's not yet known why the girl was targeted. Those who knew Medina, who went by the nickname "Bibi," said she was going into fourth grade and was looking forward to the start of school.
"She had a lot of life. She was a very old soul. She had a beautiful personality," said Megan Kelley, a family friend. "Just very sad. Eight years old, outside playing. Senseless, completely senseless."
CPD said later Sunday that the suspect was in custody, and charges are pending. Area Five detectives are investigating.
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