A late-afternoon ambush in a Lawndale alley left a Chicago man fighting for his life Friday after three armed suspects opened fire on a group of men, according to police. The shooting unfolded around 5:53 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Kedzie Avenue, where officers say one man was shot in the face and rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. The attackers ran off on foot, and by late Friday, police had not announced any arrests.
Investigators say the suspects, described as three men dressed entirely in black and wearing black masks, walked up on the group in the alley and started shooting in what detectives have called an ambush, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Area Four detectives have released images of persons of interest as they work to track down the trio.
Police search for suspects
Area Four detectives are leading the case and have been canvassing the neighborhood for anyone who saw or heard the attack. Officers say they are combing through surveillance footage and cellphone videos from nearby homes and businesses, hoping a camera somewhere in Lawndale caught a clear look at the three men running from the alley.
How to help investigators
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Four detectives at 312-746-8251 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, according to the Chicago Police Department. Police say community tips and video clips often make the difference in fast-moving shooting investigations like this one.
Neighborhood context
Lawndale has repeatedly been the scene of shootings and other violent incidents this year, and residents, along with community groups, say worries about gunfire remain high. Local coverage has detailed a series of recent shootings in the area, underscoring why detectives are leaning hard on their appeal for witnesses and video to build leads, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The Chicago Police Department and detectives are urging anyone who recognizes the men in the released images, or who has dashcam or doorbell footage from around the time of the shooting, to contact Area Four at the number above or send tips online. Additional details on the case and the released images are available in reporting by FOX 32 Chicago.
