A violent surge in the Near North area that started late Thursday night has produced four shooting victims, two stabbing victims, and three victims who suffered severe beatings, according to Chicago police reports.
The Near North area includes some of Chicago’s most-desirable and tourist-laden neighborhoods, including Streeterville, River North, and the Magnificent Mile.
 |
| The men were beaten in the 100 block of East Lake Shore Drive, near the Drake Hotel. | Google |
Most recently, two men were beaten near the Drake Hotel by a group of offenders, including one man who was armed with a baseball bat or pipe, police said. Around 4:10 a.m. on Sunday, a 26-year-old man and another male were in the 100 block of East Lake Shore Drive when they were confronted by a group of people who emerged from a gray sedan and began beating them, according to a police spokesperson.
While the two were being beaten, another group of people emerged from a dark van and began striking the two victims with the bat or pipe. One of the victims was rendered unconscious.
Witnesses, including one at the Drake, dialed 911. All of the offenders and their vehicles were gone when police arrived, CPD said.
Both victims suffered lacerations and head wounds. They were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where one was listed in serious condition and the other in fair condition.
No one is in custody for the beatings. Area Central detectives are investigating.
 |
| A motorist stabbed a 51-year-old pedestrian in a road rage incident near Franklin and Huron. | Google |
Earlier on Sunday, a 51-year-old man was stabbed after he yelled at a driver to slow down in the 300 block of West Huron around 1:45 a.m. The victim was crossing the street with two other men when a 37-year-old driver sped up as if he was going to run over the men. When the victim yelled at the driver, the offender and three passengers got out of the car, and the driver began beating and eventually stabbed the 51-year-old, according to a police spokesperson.
Police said the victim was treated at Northwestern. One of his companions suffered lesser injuries and refused medical attention.
The driver was taken into custody, and felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon are pending, police said.
 |
| Police said the woman was stabbed near this parking lot south of Division Street. | Google |
On Saturday, a 38-year-old woman was stabbed repeatedly during an altercation in the 1100 block of North Clark Street. Police said the woman received knife wounds to the temple, shoulder, and arm as well as abrasion to both breasts during the attack, which unfolded around 1:50 a.m.
Officials said the woman may have known the offender. Witnesses said the attacker was a female, but police said only that it was a “person” who is black, has long hair, and was dressed in all black. The offender was last seen walking southbound on Clark Street.
In other violence around the Near North neighborhood, three people were shot and one was severely beaten in the 300 block of West Division during a “peace picnic” on Saturday evening. The latest violent crime spike began when a man was shot in a Streeterville parking garage around 11:48 p.m. on Thursday night.
