Teenager charged with attempted murder of police officer in Fuller Park shooting that killed 14-year-old Pierre Johnson
Chicago (WLS) — A 16-year-old boy was charged Thursday with attempted murder of a Chicago police officer in a shooting in the Fuller Park area.
The boy was arrested minutes after the 14-year-old was murdered and four others were injured on the 4200 block of South Wells Street, according to Chicago police.
Police said he was charged with multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, firing an aggravated firearm into security forces, and firing an aggravated firearm. He was also charged with illegally using a weapon under the age of 21.
Police said officers at the scene found several victims lying on the ground and a man with a gun standing nearby.
“The armed criminals then opened fire at the direction of officers,” police said in a statement. “Police counterattacked, but the perpetrator fled and was quickly taken into custody. It turned out that the perpetrator had a gunshot wound to the leg.”
Police said it was not immediately clear whether the shooter was injured by police or had already been shot by the time officers arrived.
A 14-year-old boy who died in the shooting was identified as Pierre Johnson by his family.
“He had a really good heart. He would have done great things. He would have been a great man,” said guardian Chris Cozzi.
Mr Johnson spent weekends with Mr Cozzi and his children in an attempt to avoid violence in his neighborhood.
“I think anywhere in Chicago you need a village to raise your kids,” Cozzi said. “It wasn’t that Pierre didn’t have enough love for the area where he lived with his great-grandmother, but that there was too much violence in that area, so he came to live with us.”
With a smile that would brighten up any room, Johnson was known as the little brother of the Charros baseball team. He found happiness in the ballpark and the people around him.
“I think he just wanted to feel happy and safe and loved,” Cozzi said. “He felt loved, but he didn’t feel safe.”
Johnson’s family said funeral and wake arrangements were being planned.
An 18-year-old man was shot in the back and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
A 19-year-old man was shot in the chest and leg and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
A 21-year-old woman was shot in the hand and was taken to Incyte Hospital in an unconscious state.
Three police officers were taken to a local hospital for follow-up. Police said the injured officers were not shot.
Meanwhile, the CPD said two handguns were found at the scene.
At this time, the details of the incident are being investigated by the Department of Police Responsibility and Civilians. Persons involved are engaged in normal administrative duties.
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https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-shooting-police-fuller-park-pierre-thompson/13338449/ Teenager charged with attempted murder of police officer in Fuller Park shooting that killed 14-year-old Pierre Johnson