Chicago shooting critically injures 2-year-old boy in Lawndale, person of interest in custody: CPD

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 2-year-old was critically hurt in a shooting Thursday afternoon, Chicago police said.

The incident happened near 14th and Avers in the city's Lawndale neighborhood just after 4 p.m.

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Chicago police said the toddler was inside a home when he was struck by bullets multiple times. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his lower body, and was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.

A multi-unit building was cordoned off Thursday night, and ABC7 saw a group of people who were clearly upset gathered outside. At one point, officers had to break up people who were arguing.

A neighbor told ABC7 he heard people arguing loudly and a baby crying in that unit for days, and expressed sadness that a child was hurt.

Police said a weapon was recovered at the scene and a person of interest was taken into custody. No further information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting was immediately available.

An investigation by Area Four detectives is ongoing, CPD said.

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