- Credibility:
UPTOWN — A “sudden increase” in gun violence in Uptown has likely been caused by conflicts related to drug sales, Ald. James Cappleman (46th) said.
There have been at least five shootings in Uptown since Dec. 13, according to police. That includes three people shot in the span of a week in mid-December.
Two people were shot on back-to-back days to start the new year, police said.
At 5:41 p.m. on Jan. 2, a 24-year-old man was walking in the 900 block of West Wilson Avenue when someone in a car opened fire. The man was struck in the hand and made his way to Weiss Hospital in good condition, police said.
At about 3:30 on Jan. 3, a 16-year-old boy was on the sidewalk in the 4500 block of North Hazel Street when someone walked up and began firing, police said. The boy was struck once in the thigh and was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital in unknown condition.
Both the January shootings appear to be gang related, Cappleman said in an email to constituents. The alderman said he is working with local police officials to monitor the rise in gun violence.
“Both the 19th and 20th Police Districts believe these incidents are due to conflicts related to drug sales,” Cappleman wrote.
Four of the recent shootings took place in police beat 1914. Residents seeking more information on the shootings are encouraged to attend the Beat 1914 CAPS meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 in the Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave.
A number of crime incidents have recently been reported on the north branch of the Red Line. Chicago Police have added as many as 15 additional officers to its public transportation unit. Officers will also have a more visible presence at the Belmont “L” stop, police said.
Cappleman said he is working with CTA to develop an app that would allow commuters to more discreetly call for help, rather than have to press the red alarm button on the train. CTA is in the early stages of developing such an app, the alderman said.
Do stories like this matter to you? Subscribe to Block Club Chicago. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Already subscribe? You can make a tax-deductible donation to support our nonprofit newsroom here.
