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Teenager Arrested In Murder Of 311 Dispatcher Outside Starbucks

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in the shooting death of a city worker who was killed walking out of a Starbucks in Bronzeville just across the street from Police Headquarters.

Yvonne Nelson, a dispatcher with the city's 311 Center, was leaving the Starbucks at 35th and State around 4 p.m. on May 20 when the teenager opened fire on a rival gang member standing on the same corner. Police said he fired eight shots from a 9mm handgun, one of which struck Nelson, who later was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.

"This case is a prime example of a juvenile offender who felt no hesitation to use a gun to shoot one individual, and fatally shoot another in broad daylight. It highlights the challenges that law enforcement faces, when offenders don't fear the penalties for their crimes," said Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy.

The intended target also was shot several times, but has recovered from his injuries.

The 16-year-old boy suspected of pulling the trigger was arrested Friday on the 9600 block of South Wentworth Avenue. He was 15 at the time of the shooting, so he was expected to make his initial appearance in Juvenile Court, but police said they will seek to have him charged as an adult.

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Supt. Eddie Johsnon said the teenager is no stranger to the law, and already was on probation for a series of robberies.

"I've been working with state lawmakers to find legislative solutions that would empower our judicial partners to hold repeat gun offenders accountable, and send a meaningful message that we will no longer let gun violence be a part of everyday life in our communities," he said.

The shooting happened just across the street from the parking lot for Chicago Police Headquarters, right as police were wrapping up a press conference to discuss a gang crackdown that netted several arrests and the seizure of illegal weapons.

Roy said police have video evidence.

"We recovered a great deal of video surveillance from residents and businesses in the community, which led to an understanding of what happened, and ultimately to the identity of the offender," he said.

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