1 in custody, 1 injured after fight between teens ends in shooting outside south suburban community center

MATTESON, Ill. (WGN) — A teen boy is in custody on Wednesday morning after another teen was injured in a shooting outside of a community center in the south suburbs on Tuesday afternoon.

According to police, the incident unfolded outside of the Matteson Community Center, located in the 20600 block of Matteson Avenue.

Officers and fire crews were called to the scene just before 4:30 p.m. following a report that a person had been shot.

Crews arrived on the scene and found the victim, a 15-year-old boy, inside the community center suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen. He was later taken to the hospital following the incident.

Police say a preliminary investigation indicates that the shooting stemmed from a fight between the victim and another teen, a 13-year-old boy, who fled on foot after opening fire.

According to police, the shooting occurred outside of the community center and the victim retreated back inside the facility after being shot, while the gunman fled.

Authorities said the alleged shooter was taken into custody about two hours after the incident in Richton Park, after a brief foot chase.

Because of the shooting, the community center was closed early Tuesday, but it is expected to reopen Wednesday morning.

Additionally, police say there is currently no reason to believe that there is any threat to the community or anyone on the scene.

Investigators say they are now working with staff at the community center to review any surveillance video and to identify any witnesses.

Charges have not yet been announced against the teen currently in custody.

Anyone who has information on the shooting is asked to contact the Matteson Police Department through their non-emergency line at 708-503-3130 or submit tips through the Village’s website via Tip411.