Two sisters were struck by gunfire on the Division Street bar strip early Saturday, according to information from Chicago police and sources. Both women are in good condition, and one suspect is in custody, police said.
Cops assigned to the famed nightlife strip reported shots near an alley on the first block of West Division at 3:17 a.m.
“They’re still shooting,” the officer warned over the radio as she reported the gunfire.
Police chased and arrested a man who was seen holding a gun, but it is not clear if he fired any shots.
Officers discovered two women with injuries, sisters ages 29 and 26. CPD said the younger woman was shot twice in the left leg and the buttocks. Her older sister suffered a graze wound to the left side of her head. Both were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Witnesses said the women were standing near each other when the shooting started nearby. According to their online profiles, one of the victims is a Chicago Public Schools teacher, and the other is a licensed professional counselor.
They are the 48th and 49th persons shot this year in the Near North community area, which had just 19 shooting victims at this point in 2021. There were 27 as of July 23, 2020, and 23 at this point in 2019.
Last week, Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), whose ward includes the shooting scene, suggested that he might push to have all late-night liquor licenses downtown revoked. Bars with late licenses can serve customers until 5 a.m. on Sundays and 4 a.m. on other days.
Brendan Reilly (42nd), downtown’s other alderman, said he wants to “focus on revoking the morons” who operate problem bars rather than banning late-hour operations altogether.
Would you please support CWBChicago’s reporting efforts with a contribution or subscription?