Lifeguard questioned in deadly Douglass Park shooting

CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago police continue to question a lifeguard about a shooting that killed one teenager and injured another not far from the pool and basketball courts at Douglass Park.

“He would not do something like this unprovoked,” a person who knew the man told WGN Investigates.

That person requested anonymity but shared that the man is a Marine veteran, believed to be in his 50s, who owns several guns. He reportedly told police he is a concealed carry license holder and felt “attacked” before firing. A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the slain victim as Marjay Dotson.

A 14-year-old boy, identified by family as Jeremy Herred, remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound. 

“I don’t know the situation. I do know that it was an employee of the Chicago Park District, a lifeguard. We don’t know the circumstances behind it, but I can say that this is a heinous crime that happened to a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old,” said Chicago Ald. Monique Scott (24th Ward).

“I talk about crime all the time and how bad it is, but I can’t see myself waking up and taking a weapon to work, and firing it at children.”

The shooting was captured on video, according to police officers at the scene. 

“Looks like a male white, white cap, grey shirt, short pants. He’s fixing a bicycle. He jumps up and starts shooting,” is how an officer described the video to dispatchers.

The Sun-Times reports that before the alleged gunman was arrested, he was found kneeling on the ground with a gun next to his knee.

“Those two kids attacked me and followed me,” he allegedly said, according to the police report. “I defended myself, I have a license.”

According to the Sun-Times, a witness told police she was standing next to the alleged gunman, who was fixing his bike, when a group, which included the two teens, approached him.

The witness said the man reached into his bag and grabbed his gun, then fired the weapon and struck the teens, according to the Sun-Times.

No charges have been announced. An investigation is ongoing.

Shooting victim Jeremy Herred is a a cousin of Laquan McDonald, who was gunned down by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014 resulting in the officer being convicted of second-degree murder and sent to prison. His family has since hired attorney Jeff Neslund, who lamented what he deemed an unjust shooting.

“There is absolutely no justification to shoot a child in the back anywhere, let alone a public pool and park,” Neslund said.

The family continues to seek answers, according to Neslund.

“Right now, we obviously have a lot of questions. We call on the State’s Attorney’s Office to do a thorough and complete investigation. But I promise you this. We will get to the bottom of this,” he said. “We will get justice for Jeremy and his family.”

The Chicago Park District released the following statement regarding the Douglas Park shooting:

“The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred at Douglass Park. We continue to cooperate with the Chicago Police Department as they conduct their active investigation. The Park District has made the decision to close Douglass Park pool today out of care and respect for the park staff and community members impacted by yesterday’s events. The District is working with the Chicago Department of Public Health to offer crisis support services to the park staff and residents of the surrounding community,” a Park District spokesperson said. “In spite of this tragic event, Douglass Park remains a safe and vibrant community anchor. The fieldhouse will be open today during normal operating hours and all programs will be held as scheduled. Additional Park security and other staff will be present throughout the day.”

WGN-TV‘s efforts to reach the family of Marjay Dotson were unsuccessful.

City leaders maintain Thursday’s deadly shooting was an isolated incident and the park remains safe for families.