Man in Critical Condition After Second Downtown River North Shooting of Weekend
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a 33-year-old man was left in critical condition after being shot while riding in a car in River North. This incident marks the second shooting of the weekend in the downtown neighborhood, with the earlier victim unfortunately succumbing to their injuries.
Reports came in shortly after 3 a.m. of people arguing and gunshots being fired near the intersection of LaSalle and Hubbard streets. According to Chicago police, the victim was in an Audi SUV on the 200 block of West Hubbard when shots were fired from a white vehicle that approached the street. The man sustained a gunshot wound above his right eye and a grazing wound on his arm. He was then dropped off by the Audi’s driver at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for urgent treatment.
The shooting took place as the victim’s car was exiting a parking lot, with authorities discovering a shell casing near the lot at 226 West Hubbard. Later around 3:40 p.m., more gunfire was reported in the area near Erie and Kingsbury. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident. Witnesses observed an individual brandishing a firearm from a large SUV, and it was believed that the shooter disposed of the weapon in a nearby park. Police initiated a search of the vicinity for any discarded weapons.
In a separate incident on Saturday morning, a 24-year-old man lost his life after being shot during an altercation on West Hubbard Street. The altercation between a group of individuals turned physical before escalating further when one person produced a firearm and discharged a round. Responding officers pursued two men fleeing from the area and managed to apprehend them behind Harry Caray’s restaurant on West Kinzie Street. A .380-caliber handgun was recovered from one of the suspects, although no charges have been announced as of yet.
Statistics reveal that six people have been shot in River North so far this year, a decrease from 15 incidents at this point last year and 23 by this date in 2022. When compared to previous years, the shooting figures are as follows:
- 2021: 16
- 2020: 12
- 2019: 9
The incidents over the weekend serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the area. Law enforcement continues to investigate these occurrences and work towards ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors in River North.
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