Security heightened at North Side high school after student shot during dismissal

Security heightened at North Side high school after student shot during dismissal

A 17-year-old student at Mather High School was wounded in a shooting during dismissal Tuesday afternoon near a North Side school, prompting a brief lockdown.

CHICAGO - A 17-year-old student at Mather High School was wounded in a shooting during dismissal Tuesday afternoon near a North Side school, prompting a brief lockdown.

Since the shooting, the school said it will continue to have an increased police presence until further notice.

What we know:

The shooting happened around 3:19 p.m. in the 5900 block of North California Avenue, during school dismissal, according to Chicago police and Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward).

The student was reportedly sitting inside a vehicle when someone approached, pulled out a gun, and opened fire—striking him in the left arm.

He was taken to Evanston Hospital in good condition, police said.

The school was placed on a "soft lockdown," with students and staff brought back inside, Ald. Vasquez said. The lockdown was lifted after officers confirmed there was no ongoing threat.

Nobody was reported in custody. Area Three detectives are investigating.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released information about the shooter. It’s also unclear if the incident was targeted or random.

What they're saying:

"I was glad that I had left right before it because my daughter does come to this school and you do be hearing a lot of things about police activity around here lately. I guess Mather has that reputation of it," a concerned parent tells us. "I do worry every day… I'm always scared because of you know how it's going lately in the city. But I have faith in God that she'll be okay," she added. 

What's next:

Chicago Public Schools' crisis team will be at Mather High School on Wednesday to support students and staff, according to a statement from Ald. Vasquez.

Chicago police officers will also be present during school dismissal "until further notice" as a precaution.