Bystander in Waukegan Park struck by stray bullet

A bystander in a Waukegan park was shot in the shin Sunday afternoon when gunfire rang out during an altercation between two gangs, according to police.

The 55-year-old victim was in Belvidere Park when the shooting occurred at about 2:50 p.m., according to police.

Officers arriving at the scene learned a gang member fired multiple shots at the rival gang's group in the park and fled to Dugdale Park about a mile away, police said.

Police said the two groups were involved in an altercation before the shots were fired.

Officers responding to nearby Dugdale Park arrested five suspects, and found one who was in possession of a .25-caliber handgun, police said.

All five suspects gave statements admitting their involvement in the shooting during questioning, according to police.

Officers found several .25-caliber shell casings at the scene of the shooting.

The bystander who was shot was taken to Vista Medical Center East, according to police.

Prosecutors charged Waukegan residents Deantry Fornizy, 18, of the 900 block of Commonwealth Avenue, and Aron Burdine, 17, of the 1600 block of 11th Street, with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon within 1,000 feet of a park, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a weapon without a license. Burdine, who is a “Chicago transplant,” according to police, was charged as an adult.