Injured hand of woman who was shot during a gathering at Washington Park. Her reported boyfriend was also shot but succumbed to his injuries. Photo from WGNTV.
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A community is mourning the loss of one person and praying for fourteen others, after a mass shooting. Here is what we know so far.
Listen to a short summary of this article, as you work, commute or multitask.
What Happened
On Saturday, August 29, a reunion was held for the well-known DuSable High School. Between the reunion and the shooting, the group moved around, eventually landing in Washington Park on 54th and Cottage Grove. It got deadly at 11:30 pm, even as police attempted to disperse the reunion.
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According to WGTV News and witness reports, police were in the process of breaking up the crowd when shots rang out. It was chaos from there.
A barrage of bullets sprayed the crowd, as police officers took cover and radioed in. Shots could be heard over their radios as they reported, “They’re still shooting.” They said the shots were “non-stop,” indicating high-powered firearms.
WGTV interviewed witnesses, and one described what he heard and saw. “I heard shooting. I thought it was fireworks, but it was not fireworks,” witness Terry Jones told WGNTV. He added, “I saw everybody running, and I saw everybody falling and dropping.”
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In the melee, fifteen people were shot, and one was killed. Prior reports put the shooting victims at ten, but that number has risen as more information has been released by the Chicago Police Department.
Although there were reports of one in custody with a gun, police do not have suspects in this case. Currently, we do not know the number of shooters, their identities or how they got away.
The man who was killed was 35-year-old Rontonio Guterz, featured below. Shontiva Martin is the mother of the woman who was dating Rontonio, and she says her daughter was shot in the hand. She also said she had to have surgery.
These are the victims, as reported by WGTV:
- “A 35-year-old (Rontonio Guterzman) was shot in the body and taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
- A 34-year-old man was shot in the right shoulder and taken to an area hospital in good condition.
- A 39-year-old man was shot in the right arm and leg and taken to an area hospital in good condition.
- A 40-year-old woman was shot in the right shoulder and taken to an area hospital in good condition.
- A 45-year-old woman was shot in the left leg and took herself to the hospital in good condition.
- A 26-year-old woman was shot in the chest and taken to an area hospital in good condition.
- A 42-year-old man was shot in the left leg and taken to an area hospital in good condition.
- A 37-year-old woman was shot in the body. Her condition and hospital status is unknown.
- A 23-year-old man was shot in the body. His condition and hospital status is unknown.
- A 35-year-old man was shot in the body. His condition and hospital status is unknown.
- A 47-year-old woman was listed in serious condition. No information was available on where she may have been shot.
- A 23-year-old woman was listed in fair condition. No information was available on where she may have been shot.
- A 43-year-old woman was listed in fair condition. No information was available on where she may have been shot.
- A 21-year-old woman was listed in fair condition. No information was available on where she may have been shot.
- A 44-year-old woman was listed in fair condition. No information was available on where she may have been shot.”
Watch an ABC7 News report about the incident below. The reporter says that ten people were shot. As noted, that number rose to fifteen, as more information rolled in.
The Takeaway
Police have no one in custody for this mass shooting at Washington Park, but you can change that. I’m from this area and graduated from this school. This was my reunion as well. So, this hits close to home, and we can solve this.
Submit tips, videos, documents and other evidence anonymously through ChicagoPolice.org. You can also use Text-to-Tip and remain anonymous. The number to text is 738477. Or call 1-800-535-STOP (7867). Cook County Crime Stoppers offers up to $1,000 in most cases leading to an arrest or charges for felonies. Get paid to clean up your community. You are the line between peace and chaos.
Jermaine Reed, MFA is an educator and the Editor-in-Chief of TheReedersBlock. Pick up one of his fiction or nonfiction books here on Amazon. The fiction entertains you, but the nonfiction helps you grow financially and personally. Be sure to leave a book review. Doing so enables others to find these powerful books. Email editor@thereedersblock.com with any questions.
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