Chicago shooting: Teen girl among 5 shot near Lincoln Park Zoo, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A teenage girl was among five people shot in Lincoln Park early Saturday morning, Chicago police said.

The shooting happened early Saturday morning around 4:40 a.m. in the 1900 block of North Stockton, right outside the Lincoln Park Zoo grounds. Police said the shooting stemmed from some sort of conflict with a group that was drinking in the park.

A 17-year-old girl was transported to Northwestern Hospital and is listed in good condition, police said. Four men ages 23, 27, 31, and 44, all self-transported to Northwestern Hospital Chicago police said. They are all listed in critical condition.

Carol Johnson was already on the phone with police, complaining about noise coming from the park, when she also heard the gunshots.

"It seemed to be eight shots. I thought it was fireworks. 'Boom, boom, boom.' It seemed to be early for this," Johnson said. "I saw a flash from the muzzle. I wasn't sure it it was a sparkler or flashlight."

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Investigators were still on the scene later Saturday morning just feet from where a farmers' market was also taking place.

"Police and politicians will say 'be aware of your surroundings if you're walking around in the city.' Just makes you think twice about being here in the city, what our politicians are doing about it," said Lincoln Park resident Chris Huff. "You shouldn't have to live your life looking over your shoulder all the time. That's what bugs me the most, and has affected us the most. When you have incidents like this, it starts to tear away at the fabric of the community."

State Rep. Margaret Croke and Ald. Timmy Knudsen released a joint statement to neighbors on Saturday afternoon.

"The shooting occurred after a group, which had been drinking, gathered on the street and a fight to broke out," the release said. "Let us be clear: This type of violence is unacceptable in our city and as elected officials, we will work to ensure there is a rapid response to deter this from happening again."

The lawmakers also said they have spoken with Chicago Police Commander Michael Barz and Deputy Chief Hein and said they have "committed to consistently patrol this area." Their offices are also looking into reinstating parking restrictions in strategic places and times at the request of police, the release said.

Police said the victims are not cooperating with the investigation.

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