Sirens cut through a Wednesday afternoon in Auburn Gresham after at least two people were shot a block from St. Sabina Parish, rattling a stretch of the South Side that knows gunfire far too well. The shooting unfolded at the intersection of 79th Street and May Street, where ambulances rushed victims to nearby hospitals. Authorities had not released details on the victims' conditions when reporters filed this update.
According to CBS Chicago, the incident at 79th and May left at least two people needing hospital care, though police did not immediately disclose how badly they were hurt. The station reported that the crime scene sat just steps from the parish, heightening concern for congregants and nearby residents who are no strangers to tragedy.
Close to St. Sabina
St. Sabina Church, at 1210 W. 78th Place, is about a block from where the shots were fired and has long operated as a neighborhood hub for anti-violence work in Auburn Gresham. As Block Club Chicago has reported, the Rev. Michael Pfleger and other church leaders regularly launch outreach efforts and provide emergency support in the wake of neighborhood shootings.
Recent pattern of violence nearby
The area around St. Sabina has been hit repeatedly by gun violence in recent months. A mass shooting outside a funeral near 79th and Carpenter left 15 people wounded, according to ABC7 Chicago, an attack that residents compared to a war zone. In December, a shooting outside a St. Sabina basketball tournament wounded three men, the Chicago Tribune reported, reinforcing long-running fears about safety along the corridor.
Police and community response
Area Two detectives were investigating Wednesday's shooting, and no arrests had been reported in early updates. Police asked anyone with information to come forward. Community efforts to blunt the violence have included Chicago Police Department programs such as a gun turn-in event hosted at St. Sabina, as reported by CBS Chicago. Investigators say neighborhood tips and security video often play a key role in solving these cases.
Neighbors told reporters they want more visible patrols and accountability, while church leaders pressed residents to share any footage or information that might help detectives. NBC Chicago notes that anyone with information can contact Area Two detectives at 312-747-8273 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.
