Teens Robbed, Kidnapped, Attacked Victim Before Shooting: Flossmoor PD

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Several teens will face serious charges in a February 2022 assault and shooting of another minor, Flossmoor police said Tuesday.

The February 2022 incident at School Street and Verne Lane happened after the victim received a social media message from his assailants, setting in motion a chain of events that culminated in the minor being robbed, assaulted and shot at as he tried to flee his attackers, police said in a release.

The juvenile who was shot was contacted via social media by another teen, and agreed to pick up that teen and two others. The three then asked the victim to drive to another location, where they robbed him at gunpoint, police said, then later assaulting him in a junior high parking lot.

"...the offenders then kidnapped the victim at gunpoint, and forced the victim to drive them to multiple locations throughout the area," police said.

The victim was eventually told to drive into Flossmoor, where three teen suspects met up with three additional juvenile suspects in the parking lot of Parker Junior High School. The six then reportedly pulled the victim from his car, attacking him in the school parking lot, police said.

The victim fled to his car, where he was shot at while trying to drive away, police said. He crashed into a tree, and all suspects fled the area on foot. The victim was treated by Flossmoor paramedics and taken to a nearby trauma hospital for his injuries.

In the year since, police have been able to identify all suspects involved, ranging in age from 14 to 16 years old.

"The case was presented and reviewed with the Juvenile Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, who recommended charges against all but two of the offenders," police said in a release.

Charges include attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted vehicular hijacking, mob action and battery.

As of May 18, all juveniles who will be charged in this investigation have been arrested and charged, police said. No further identifying information will be released in reference to the involved juveniles.

"The Flossmoor Police Department thanks each individual who assisted with this investigation," police said. "This includes all witnesses, everyone who contacted 911, all of our residents who took time to review video surveillance with investigators, and those who had a hand in helping to solve this crime. We are greatly appreciative and thank you for your time and willingness to help keep Flossmoor and our surrounding communities safe."