Chicago Man and Woman Shot in Former ShotSpotter Areas
A man and a 19-year-old woman were shot on consecutive nights in two Chicago neighborhoods where the city’s ShotSpotter gunfire detection network once operated. Despite the presence of the technology, nobody called 911 to report the gunfire in either case.
The man was found by a passerby around 2:09 a.m. on Thursday in the 700 block of East 90th Street. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition. Tragically, he later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators discovered blood and a shell casing in the back seat of an abandoned SUV nearby, but it remains unclear how long the man lay in the street before receiving help.
Less than 24 hours later, in the early hours of Friday morning, the 19-year-old woman was shot in the 7800 block of South Marshfield. Despite 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area and a subsequent disturbance involving a man with a gun and a group of women fighting, no one reported the shooting to 911. Police surveillance cameras captured footage of the altercation, but witnesses were uncooperative. The woman was found with gunshot wounds to her face and leg, and she was taken to Christ Hospital in fair condition.
Both incidents occurred in areas where ShotSpotter once operated, a technology that could have alerted first responders to the gunfire without the need for a 911 call.
Mayor Brandon Johnson allowed the city’s contract with ShotSpotter to expire in September 2024, citing concerns about the system’s effectiveness, cost, and impact on community trust. Despite opposition from CPD’s police superintendent, City Council members, and residents, Johnson stood by his decision. The system was disconnected on September 23, sparking debate about its potential benefits in improving response times to shootings.
This page tracks cases where individuals have been shot in areas previously covered by ShotSpotter, highlighting instances where the technology could have facilitated a faster and more accurate response. The decision to discontinue ShotSpotter has raised questions about its role in enhancing public safety and the implications for communities disproportionately affected by gun violence.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of these shootings, it is essential to consider the impact of technology like ShotSpotter on law enforcement practices and community engagement. The debate over its efficacy and ethical implications underscores the complex challenges of addressing gun violence in urban areas.
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