A tragic burst of gunfire on a quiet Chicago street claimed the life of Johnny Huizar, a 32-year-old Midway Airport employee, as he was driving home from work last weekend, authorities reported. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Huizar was assaulted by gunfire from two individuals on a sidewalk on the 6100 block of South Central Park Avenue. The attack left him with a fatal gunshot wound to the face.
Responding to the scene around 8:50 p.m. on Saturday, Chicago police discovered the gravely injured man who, despite his wound, managed to reach his home. Huizar succumbed to his injuries the following day at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. As of now, no arrests have been linked to the shooting.
Details provided by WLS-TV further unravel a tale of potential life-saving moments lost, as Huizar's cousin, Magaly Zambrano, recounted, "We think, 'if were one minute before, one minute after he would have been here." She expressed frustration, claiming that despite Huizar's critical state, police prioritized questioning over immediate medical assistance. "He didn't want to continue talking but they were so intrigued in the interrogation, instead providing that help that he needed to get him transported to the hospital," Zambrano told WLS-TV.
In the wake of his death, Huizar's family is grappling with the senseless loss of a man described by loved ones as a "big time family guy," who was always ready to lend a helping hand. "The warmest hugs ever. You felt protected. You felt safe in his arms," the cousin reminisced. Reflecting on the irreparable void left behind, she added, "They took him away from us and it's not fair. They took our joy," they took our teddy bear." In a final act of selflessness, Huizar's organs were donated, bestowing the gift of life upon others.
The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the shooting while the family copes with their sorrow and seeks answers. As the case remains open, the community is left to mourn the untimely passing of a man known for his generosity and spirit of protection.
