In a tragic incident on Chicago’s Southwest Side, a man lost his life and three women sustained injuries during a shooting on Wednesday.
The motive behind the flurry of gunshots remains unknown. However, a local community leader suggested that one victim might have been shot while operating a fruit stand.
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The violent episode unfolded around 4:34 p.m. near the intersection of 26th Street and St. Louis Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood, according to Chicago police.
A 46-year-old man, who was struck multiple times, succumbed to his wounds at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Authorities have yet to disclose his identity.
Among the injured are two women, aged 25 and 47, who were also taken to the hospital. A third female victim, shot in the back, managed to reach medical care on her own and is currently in critical condition.
The aftermath of the shooting left Little Village in turmoil, with a heavy police presence and crime scene tape adding to the community’s unease.
“This is just insane,” Little Village resident Julio Ortega said. “I honestly thought it was fireworks. You never expect something to, you know, go off like that, especially in broad daylight.”
As many as three dozen shots were fired near a pair of fruit stands.
“I seen that there was a lot of commotion over there and someone on the ground, you know, and people being calmed, calling to be taken away,” Little Village Community Council head organizer Chela Garcia said. “Shame on the people who shot them, you know. Shame on them.”
Garcia says she spoke with witnesses and loved-ones of the man who died and says he may have been working at the fruit stand.
“They were working. They were making money. They were making money to provide for their families,” Garcia said. “It was in the afternoon. There was plenty of children out. There was plenty of people out.”
Police have not said what led to the gunfire and have offered no motive for the shooting. No one was in custody.
No further information was available as Chicago police continue to investigate.
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