Third Teen Released In Shooting Of HS Basketball Player

CHICAGO (STNG) - Police are still seeking the shooter in connection with the wounding of a high school basketball player that happened during a fight after a game Tuesday night on the West Side.

Police said Wednesday that two 16-year-old boys were charged with simple battery in connection with the incident.

But a third suspect who was in custody has been released and not charged, according to police News Affairs Officer Daniel O’Brien Thursday morning.

Police are still seeking the shooter and the investigation is ongoing, O’Brien said.

The shooting took place about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday outside Collins High School at 1313 S. Sacramento Blvd.

Police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak said Wednesday two 16-year-old boys were charged with simple battery, a misdemeanor, in connection with the shooting. Police were not releasing their identities because they are juveniles.

The Douglas Park shooting left North Lawndale College Prep senior basketball player Jermaine Winfield wounded. North Lawndale plays its home basketball games at Collins High, which is in Douglas Park.

North Lawndale assistant basketball coach Terry Johnson said Winfield -- a 6-foot-4 forward -- was shot in the thigh after a 76-47 victory over ACT Charter.

“Outside after the game, a group of kids were waiting to jump some of the guys on our team,” Johnson said. “He went to assist them and was shot in the leg.”

Johnson described the wound as small -- possibly from a .22-caliber or even a BB gun. Police said Winfield was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in “stable” condition.

“First and foremost, our hearts and prayers are with Jermaine Winfield and his family,” CPS Public League Basketball Director Cyrus McGinnis said.

“We are gathering all the info we can and will be addressing the matter with the utmost urgency.”

During the game, Winfield had 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocks for North Lawndale, which is ranked No. 5 in the area by the Sun-Times.

Also Tuesday, a basketball game between Simeon and Bogan high schools was stopped because of a fight in the stands at Bogan, 3939 W. 79th St.

Police and school security quickly got the matter under control, but all agreed the game should be called with 5:55 left and Simeon leading 51-38.

Harrison Area detectives are investigating