A 19-year-old man was seriously wounded Monday in a shooting less than a block from Sullivan high school.

Police said a 16-year-old boy fired several shots at the victim in the 6600 block of N. Bosworth shortly after 8:30 a.m. The suspect was captured after 'a diligent search by the police,' according to Commander Bruce Rottner of the 24th District. He declined to provide more details.

Police do not think the victim was a student at the school and think the shooting may have been gang related.

The shooting prompted an additional police presence at Sullivan High School. Kilmer Elementary School requested additional police for their early release at 2:15 pm.By 2:00 pm Sullivan's south parking lot was nearly filled with police cars as they staged their response to ensure the safety of the children. As school let out, squads and unmarked cars slowly circled the block.

For at least a half mile north on Ashland, squads were patrolling and unmarked cars were parked and watching at various points along the route kids take to go home from Sullivan. The police were noticeably present as far as Fargo Avenue.

A Chicago Public School employee, who preferred not to be named, said that a few weeks ago they began stepping up the police presence after school due to some gang problems in the area.

'We asked for more police patrols when school lets out to make sure our kids get home safely.'

Sullivan is home to students who belong to several area gangs, most of whom live in clearly defined boundaries. Students must choose their route home carefully to avoid being caught in unfriendly territory.

Many kids walk out of their way to get home, but the CPS employee insists it's for their own safety. Kids who stray from this pattern are quickly identified and directed to the right route.

'If they go the wrong way they'll get jumped on. Most of them stay with their own groups anyway.'

Charges have not yet been filed against the suspect and few details have been released.

The victim is now in serious but stable condition at St. Francis Hospital. The shooting is being investigated by Areas 3 detectives.