Accident – Death – Obituary News :
CHICAGO (CBS) — It was a chaotic and distressing night in Chicago’s South Loop as a large group descended upon the area near Roosevelt and Canal. The night took a tragic turn when two teenagers were shot, one of them fatally.
Neighbouring Business Operator Speaks Out
The aftermath of the shooting has left the employees of neighbouring businesses shaken. Peter Letsos, the director of operations at White Palace Grill, expressed his frustration and concern about the recurring incidents of teen takeovers in the South Loop.
“Enough is enough,” Letsos stated emphatically. “We need to do something about it, and somebody needs to do something about it fast.”
Following the shooting, Letsos and his team took immediate action by deploying security guards and locking the doors to ensure the safety of their staff and patrons.
Police Presence and Violent Outburst
A heavy police presence was visible in the area around 8 p.m. as a large group of young people gathered. The situation quickly escalated, with CBS 2 cameras capturing hundreds of teens filling the streets before violence erupted.
During the chaos, shots were fired in the parking lot of BMO Harris Bank, resulting in the tragic shooting of two teenagers. Seventeen-year-old Jeremy Smith was shot in the chest and neck, succumbing to his injuries at Stroger Hospital. A 15-year-old boy was also injured in the leg but was listed in fair condition.
Community Concerns and Response
The shooting incident occurred directly across the street from White Palace Grill, prompting Letsos to voice his concerns for the safety of his employees, customers, and the community at large.
Saturday’s gathering marked the first significant “large group” incident in the downtown area since a similar episode in July, where looting occurred. Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the incident, cautioning against labelling the behaviour as “mob action” and emphasising the need for careful language use.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery of Evidence
Detectives are actively investigating the shooting and have recovered a gun at the scene. It remains unclear if there are additional injuries or if more suspects have been identified in connection with the incident.
CBS 2 has reached out to the mayor’s office for a statement on the shooting but has not received a response as of Sunday evening.
The tragic events of the night have underscored the urgent need for community action and improved safety measures in the South Loop area, as residents and business owners grapple with the aftermath of senseless violence.
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