Man charged in West Garfield Park shooting that injured teen, child outside library
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police said a man has been charged for a shooting that left a teen and a child wounded on the steps of the Chicago Public Library in west Garfield Park Tuesday.
Adam Avizius, 37, is charged with one felony count of aggravated battery discharge of a firearm, police said.
RELATED: Teen and child injured in West Garfield Park shooting, 2 suspects in custody, police say
Family said 12-year-old Demarion Weatherspoon and a 16-year-old boy were shot Tuesday evening outside the library on Pulaski near Madison. Both are still recovering from their injuries.
"Kids actually come here to get away from that environment that they're in," said Darnell Weatherspoon Sr., the younger victim's grandfather. "And to get shot and not react how most people react when they get shot surprised me too. It shows that he's a strong kid."
Police said Tuesday that the two boys were outside the library when two adults got into an altercation nearby. Avizius allegedly opened fire, striking the boys. A security guard from the library brought Weatherspoon inside the building to render aid until paramedics arrived.
Demarion's relatives and community leaders returned to the steps of the library Thursday to demand change.
"It is not okay. We will not allow this. We will continue to organize," said Theodore Joseph Crawford of Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative.
"We're asking you to step up. We need everybody with their ideas," said Alees Edwards, 11th police district council member.
Initially police said they took a man and a woman into custody. She is still being questioned.
