A Chicago beach was forced to close just hours into Memorial Day Weekend after several shots were fired during a large brawl.
Crowds of revellers at North Avenue Beach ran for cover during the fracas, which involved between 80 and 100 teenagers.
It followed an announcement by officials that ‘peacekeepers’ were being deployed across the city in a bid to avoid chaotic scenes that left nine people dead and 52 others injured at last year’s event.
There are no reports of anyone being struck by a bullet, however, a 15-year old boy has been arrested and charged with one count of aggravated assault/discharge of firearm, and one count of criminal damage to property worth $500 to $10,000.
A weapon is yet to be recovered in relation to the incident, which occurred at around 1:30pm on Friday.
Footage aired on Chicago 5 appears to show a a stand-off between a rowdy group of youngsters before one pulls out a gun and fires, causing everyone to flee.
Screams are then heard on the beach, before a car is seen speeding away from the scene.
A Chicago Park District truck, meanwhile, was struck by a bullet which broke the vehicle’s windows.
Witness John Muldoon told ABC Chicago: “We came by, and then we saw the truck here with obviously what appears to be shots coming through the windows, and we’re like this is creepy.”
Dan Short, who was also in the vicinty added: “There was just a lot of police. I saw three individuals at least that were handcuffed and didn’t really see exactly what happened or what caused it, but it looked like there was some type of dispute, obviously.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said of the shooting: “I am aware of the events that have taken place at North Avenue Beach late this afternoon.
“I am in contact with our first responders and continue to keep a close eye on and monitor the situation as details unfold.”
Chicago opened its 22 beaches along Lake Michigan to the public just before the gunfire.
Last year’s holiday weekend violence was the worst the Windy City had scene in five years.
