North Avenue Beach was closed Friday afternoon after shots were fired, police said. So far no injuries have been reported.
Just before Memorial Day weekend, Friday marked the first day the city’s 22 beaches opened for the summer.
Officers responded to a shots fired call at 1:26 p.m. at 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive. A minor has been arrested.
According to police, charges are pending and Area 3 detectives are investigating the incident. The northern section of North Avenue Beach, south of Fullerton Avenue, remained closed Friday afternoon.
Video shared with the Tribune shows a police car speed past a group of children playing outside the Chicago Latin School, which is just southwest of the beach at 59 W. North Blvd.
Mayor Brandon Johnson shared a statement about the shooting on Twitter, saying, “I am aware of the events that took place on North Avenue Beach late this afternoon. I am in contact with our first responders and continue to monitoring and monitoring the situation as the details unfold.”
I am aware of the events that took place on North Avenue Beach late this afternoon. I am in contact with our first responders and continue to monitor and monitor the situation as details develop.
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) May 26, 2023
Johnson had announced plans to combat violence across the city over the long weekend, the first major warm-weather holiday of the year, including funding for street workers, youth programs and an increased police presence across the city
In addition, the state is deploying 30 “peacekeepers” to Chicago over the holiday weekend, whose role will be to try to de-escalate potential violence.
Sam Charles of the Chicago Tribune contributed.
adperez@chicagotribune.com
