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“At approximately 3:20 a.m. Wednesday at State and Grand in the River North neighborhood, five hooded and masked gunmen exited a matte gray Honda Accord. Two offenders were armed with long-guns and the others with handguns and opened fire.
They targeted a 30-year-old man, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial. A second victim, 65-years-old, was struck by a stray bullet in the foot. He is listed in fair condition at Northwestern Memorial. CPD investigators have recovered dozens of rounds of spent shell-casings at the crime scene.
Following the shooting, the gunmen fled westbound in the Honda. The vehicle was displaying stolen license plates, at the time. I have also received an update from CPD that the Honda has recently been recovered on the West side, where it was set on fire.
The targeted (now deceased) individual was a gang member and convicted felon with a history of drug dealing and gun crimes in the area, as well as conflicts with rival gangs. This was not the first time the individual has been the target of a gang-related shooting.
Though this was a gang-on-gang targeted “hit” and not a random act – I have spoken with 18th District Police Commander Bielfeldt to request an increased late-hour police presence in downtown Chicago during the summer months and especially heading into the July 4th weekend.
Commander Bielfeldt has promised Chicago Police will have a very significant presence in the downtown neighborhoods, along the Lakefront and at Navy Pier for the fireworks display and throughout the July 4th long weekend.
Gun violence downtown is totally unacceptable - just as should be unacceptable in any of Chicago’s neighborhoods. The brave women and men who serve in the Chicago Police Department are working hard to protect our communities. Like all downtown residents, I am grateful for their service and hard work. But we need a greater presence overnight.
CPD’s resources are spread thin, but it is critically important we ensure the Central Business District - with its tens of thousands of tourists and tens of thousands of residents – has adequate police resources assigned to keep our downtown safe. I will continue to work closely with my colleagues, Aldermen Hopkins and Conway, in our efforts to secure a more significant overnight police presence in downtown Chicago this summer.”
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