Girl, 13, in critical condition after unknown gunman shot at juveniles in Evanston

EVANSTON, Ill. - An Evanston teenager is in critical condition after gunfire erupted at a backyard get-together Monday evening.

The 13-year-old girl was shot in the neck when an unknown gunman fired shots at a group of juveniles from over a fence.

Police said the teen was at a gathering in the backyard of a residence, located in the 1300 block of Fowler Avenue, when gunshots rang out around 6:20 p.m. Monday.

"The victim was attending a party, a gathering of juveniles in the backyard of a residence. An unknown gunman approached and fired at least 10 rounds over a fence into the rear of the backyard. The unknown gunman then fled the scene," said Evanston Police Sgt. Kenny Carter. "Although this does not appear to be a random act, our preliminary investigation shows that the victim was not the target of this heinous act."

The 13-year-old was transported by the Evanston Fire Department to AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital, then subsequently transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital where she remained in critical condition on Tuesday night.

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"Tragedies like these not only affect the family of the victim, but it affects our community as a whole and leaves scars in our community that are oftentimes very hard to heal," said Carter.

Police tell FOX 32 Chicago no one else was injured.

The gunman is still on the loose.

"The investigation does not indicate a continued threat to this community and due to the nature of the victim’s injuries, the Evanston Police Department is being assisted by the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force and they are diligently working on this investigation," said Carter.

Police are looking for tips from the public that may help solve the case.

If you have information that may assist police with this investigation, please contact the Evanston Police Detective Bureau at 847-866-5040 or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637) and start your message with EPDTIP.