Months after an argument on a Northwest Side street turned into a hail of bullets, Chicago police say they have their suspect.
Officers arrested 22-year-old Jessie Hardy on April 9 on the West Side, in the 4700 block of West Polk Street, in connection with a November shooting that left a 29-year-old man fighting for his life. The victim was rushed in critical condition to Illinois Masonic Hospital after the attack, which happened Nov. 22, 2025, in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood.
Hardy now faces several felony charges, including aggravated battery involving the discharge of a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
How the shooting unfolded
Police say the Nov. 22 confrontation started as an argument in the 5800 block of West Diversey Avenue and escalated when the offender pulled a gun and opened fire. The 29-year-old victim was hit in the right forearm, right arm and chest before being transported to Illinois Masonic Hospital in critical condition, as reported by Yahoo News.
Charges and court schedule
Hardy is charged with aggravated battery involving the discharge of a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. He is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Friday, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
Belmont Cragin context
The case unfolds in a neighborhood already dealing with repeated gun-related incidents. Area Five detectives are juggling multiple shooting investigations across the Northwest Side, and local coverage of other recent violence in Belmont Cragin has highlighted ongoing public safety concerns, according to ABC7 Chicago.
Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Area Five detectives or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, according to the Chicago Police Department. Police are also asking neighbors who may have security video or other evidence from the night of the shooting to come forward to help strengthen the case.
