17-year-old boy released without charges after West Side shooting of 2-year-old: prosecutors

CHICAGO - A 17-year-old boy who was arrested in connection with the shooting of a toddler on Chicago’s West Side Thursday afternoon has been released from custody without charges, authorities said.

The teen had faced one felony count of obstructing justice/destroying evidence and one misdemeanor count of child endangerment, stemming from a shooting that occurred around 4 p.m. in the 3800 block of West 14th Street in the North Lawndale neighborhood.

Police said the victim, a 2-year-old boy, was inside a home when he was shot multiple times in the lower body. The child was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.

The 17-year-old was detained following the incident. A detention hearing was held Friday, but he was later released pending further investigation.

The case will be reviewed again on Jan. 17, according to prosecutors.