A 49-year-old man delivering food was shot in the head and left in critical condition early Wednesday morning in Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood, according to police. The Chicago Tribune reports the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. in the 1200 block of West 68th Street, after the delivery driver got into a dispute with a male. The Tribune notes that the victim was rushed to UChicago Medicine for treatment.
Details on what led to the argument or who was involved are scant, as the investigation is ongoing with no arrests made yet. After trying to deliver food, the delivery driver found himself in a verbal altercation, which, sadly, ended with his being shot. The unfortunate series of events unfolded, leaving a man fighting for his life, with the shooter still at large. ABC7 Chicago adds that following the altercation, “someone fired shots,” striking the victim. ABC7 confirmed no one has been taken into custody and detectives from Area One are looking into the incident.
The shooting adds to the ongoing concern about safety for gig economy workers, particularly those operating late at night in neighborhoods grappling with violence. In this instance, a man merely attempting to fulfill a food order has become another victim of the city’s relentless gun violence, which plagues particularly the South Side communities.
The identity of the delivery man has not been publicly released as investigations continue. As someone who brought sustenance to others was, by a bullet, unexpectedly cut down, community members are reminded of the ever-present risk that looms in the shadow of their daily hustle. Both news outlets are actively following the story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the victim's condition and any progress in the search for the suspect.
