2 teens shot in Belmont Cragin neighborhood

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 15-year-old boy and a 19-year-old woman were wounded in a shooting in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood early Thursday morning, according to Chicago police.

The shooting took place just after midnight in the 5300 block of West Belden. Police say the boy was riding his bicycle and the woman was standing on the street when someone walked up and fired shots.

The boy was wounded in the back and is in critical condition at Lurie Children's Hospital. The woman was wounded in both legs and police say her condition has stabilized.

Police have beefed up patrols in the area.

Neighbor Zuleidy Lucho said at first, she thought the gunshots were fireworks.

"There's neighbors that tell me don't come out of your house after 10 o'clock," said Lucho. "I just moved here. I really don't know the neighborhood so but that's what they told me."

Neighbors in Belmont Cragin say the gang problem has gotten out of control despite police cameras mounted at intersections.

"When we got here 15 years ago it was safe," said neighbor Ingrid Licona. "Now it's not, so my husband wants to go back to New York."

The area where the shooting happened is filled with schools, churches and daycares.

"I think it's scary because I walk past here every day with my two-year-old daughter and I wouldn't want something to happen to us as we going or coming from her school," said neighbor Amanda Douglas.

Police have not released any suspect descriptions.