2 shot in the Loop as crowds gathered for dyeing of Chicago River

Two people, including a pedestrian, were shot in the Loop on Saturday morning as spectators flooded the area to watch the annual dyeing of the Chicago River for the city’s St. Patrick’s celebration.

Around 8:51 a.m., witnesses saw a fight between the people in two cars near the 100 block of North Dearborn.

One person involved in the confrontation pulled out a baseball bat and hit the other vehicle. An occupant of that second vehicle then opened fire, witnesses said, striking a man who was walking outside the Goodman Theatre, 180 North Dearborn.

The 100 block of North Dearborn. | Google

Two cars sped away from the scene.

Officers who responded to calls of gunfire reported that the victim, a 58-year-old information technology professional, with a graze wound on his arm. He is at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition.

A short time later, a 35-year-old man walked into Northwestern with a gunshot wound to his leg.

CPD said he was also shot during the Loop incident. Officers at the hospital found a black Nissan Altima with bullet hole damage parked nearby, bearing the same license plate as one of the vehicles that sped from the scene, according to an officer.

As of 10:30 a.m., Dearborn Street remained closed to traffic while police conducted their investigation.

Please support CWBChicago’s reporting efforts with a contribution or subscription.

About CWBChicago 6024 Articles
CWBChicago was created in 2013 by five residents of Wrigleyville and Boystown who had grown disheartened with inaccurate information that was being provided at local Community Policing (CAPS) meetings. Our coverage area has expanded since then to cover Lincoln Park, River North, The Loop, Uptown, and other North Side Areas. But our mission remains unchanged: To provide original public safety reporting with better context and greater detail than mainstream media outlets. Our editorial email address is news@cwbchicago.com