Watch CBS News

Teen Named A 'Chicagoan Of The Year' After Saving Friend From Gunfire

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A teenager who was shot three times saving his friend's life has been named one of the city's "Chicagoans of the Year" by Chicago magazine.

CBS 2's Marissa Bailey reports Phoenix Military Academy freshman Rony Monzon was shot three times in July as he sat on his front porch in the Brighton Park neighborhood.

He was sitting with his friend and neighbor, Daneysi Valdovinos, eating pizza and listening to music when someone ran up and shot at the house. Rony stood up and jumped in front of Daneysi to shield her from the bullets.

Rony said he was shot once in the right forearm, once in the chest near his heart, and once in the hip.

"I looked at myself. I was bleeding, and then I was worried about the bullet shot by my heart," he said.

After the shooting, Daneysi said "He saved my life. I would've … I think I would've been dead."

Police said they don't believe either teen was a target. They believe the shooter had the wrong house. A witness did report hearing the gunman shout a gang slogan as he fled the scene.

Asked what made him want to jump in front of the bullets, Rony said it was just instinct.

"That was the first thing I reacted to. Get in front," he said.

Thanks to the quiet, respectful 14-year-old's instinct, Rony has been named one of Chicago Magazine's "Chicagoans of the Year" for 2012.

He said the honor is just part of putting the shooting behind him.

"I just want to move on from that, because I wouldn't like to keep that in my head, so I won't be feeling bad," he said.

The shooting remained under investigation as of Wednesday, and authorities were still looking for the gunman responsible.

Rony said he's not sure what he wants to do when he gets older, but plans to go to college and have a career.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.