Chicago high school baseball players take cover after shots fired nearby

CHICAGO — Players competing in a high school game in southwest Chicago were forced to take cover after more than a dozen gunshots rang out nearby, authorities said.

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The shooting occurred near the field where St. Rita of Cascia High School was hosting Marmion Academy of Aurora, Illinois, in the Wrightwood neighborhood of Chicago on Thursday evening, WMAQ-TV reported.

A video posted to social media appeared to show a first baseman and a pitcher drop to the ground as about a dozen gunshots rang out, WLS-TV reported. Other players ran off the field, and some players jumped into the dugout to take cover, according to the television station.

Bullets hit several parked vehicles and appeared to also have struck near the outside of a McDonald’s next to the Catholic high school, WGN-TV reported.

Chicago police said a 42-year-old woman was coming out of the fast-food restaurant’s drive-thru when a dark-colored Jeep drove by and fired shots in her direction, WLS reported.

Surveillance video shows what witnesses said was that same Jeep driving through a gas station parking lot seconds before the shooting began, according to the television station.

”I just heard gunshots, a vehicle passed by,” Gawab Ali Ahmed told WLS. “I was here working. All I see is gunshots and some people screaming.”

“My daughter said they didn’t know if they were aiming at someone at McDonald’s or if they were randomly just shooting,” Sabrina Johnson told WMAQ.

Police said after 20 shots, the gunman fled the scene, WGN reported. No arrests have been made.

“Yesterday’s incident in our neighborhood was disturbing and a sad reminder that violence can occur anywhere at any time,” Deacon John Donahue, St. Rita’s interim principal, said in a statement. “We thank our security staff and law enforcement for their quick response.  We remain fully committed to the safety of our students, faculty, staff, parents, and guests.”

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