West Pullman shooting: 16-year-old killed during alleged armed robbery attempt

West Pullman shooting — On March 19, 2026, Chicago police confirmed a 16-year-old boy died after an armed encounter in the West Pullman neighborhood that unfolded the previous day. Authorities say the incident is under active investigation after officers recovered weapons at the scene.

Police reported the shooting occurred at 3:36 p.m. on Wednesday in the 11700 block of South Normal Avenue. According to investigators, a 27-year-old man was confronted by a 16-year-old carrying a handgun who demanded the man’s belongings. Officials say the older man fired during the confrontation, striking the teenager; two handguns were recovered where the incident took place and the adult was taken in for questioning.

The teen was transported to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was later pronounced dead, police said. Chicago detectives are continuing to piece together the circumstances and have not disclosed any charges. The department has asked anyone with information or video from the area around the time of the shooting to contact investigators as they complete their inquiry into the fatal encounter.