Chicago shooting: 17-year-old girl shot dead during driving test near Fenger High School in Roseland

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 17-year-old girl was shot dead during the final moments of her driving test in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago’s Far South Side on Thursday afternoon.

Her mother, who does not want to be identified, spoke to ABC 7 about the terrifying incident.

“They learn not to be scared behind the wheel and then something like this happens,” her mother said. “It scars them for life.”

The teenager’s mother said her daughter was doing a three-point turn with the instructor and another student in the car when gunfire rang out near 113th and Normal around noon.

“She saw a man coming out of a house and then a car drove past her and he started shooting at the car,” her mother said.

The 17-year-old girl was shot in the head and suffered a scrape. We want to warn you: the photo of his injuries can be considered graphic.

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Her mother said the teenager received stitches and has since been discharged from hospital.

“She can’t sleep,” her mother said. “She has nightmares, she has a headache, she has really bad headaches.”

The teenager is a student at EPIC Academy, but was assigned to Fenger High School for driver education.

The teenager’s mother said it was a miracle she was not more seriously injured. She plans to take the next steps with the school to ensure this does not happen to other students.

The teenager is now recovering at home. Police said no one was in custody.

Full statement from the Principal of Fenger High School:

Dear Parents and Families of Fenger,

The safety of your children is always our top priority, which is why I am writing to inform you of an incident that impacted our school this afternoon. During one of our driver training programs, shots were fired near our school. We have notified the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the CPS Office of Safety and Security to protect the safety of all students and staff involved in the program. The CPD quickly arrived and responded to the situation, and this matter will be handled in accordance with CPS policies. Due to the confidentiality of those involved, I cannot go into details.Please know that we take this matter very seriously. We will continue to work diligently with the CPD and the CPS Office of Safety and Security to ensure that our school continues to be a place where all students can reach their full potential. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly.