River North’s nightlife corridor turned violent early Sunday when a 32-year-old man was shot and robbed while walking in the neighborhood, according to Chicago police. The attack unfolded at about 2:13 a.m. in the 400 block of North LaSalle Drive, where a white SUV pulled up, and the people inside demanded the victim’s belongings before opening fire. He was hit multiple times and rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition, and police said no other injuries were reported.
According to ABC7 Chicago, officers at the scene said the occupants of the SUV "demanded the victim's things, and someone started to shoot" before speeding off. As of Sunday morning, authorities had not announced any arrests, and the case remained very much active while detectives worked the area and urged anyone with information to speak up.
River North's Late-Night Pattern
The shooting fits into a troubling run of pre-dawn robberies and gunfire that has been rattling the River North entertainment district this year. In February, Hoodline reported on a pre-dawn "rear-end ruse" robbery that used a similar car-based approach in which suspects targeted victims from a vehicle, rear-end ruse robbery. In late December a separate, larger attack near North LaSalle and Hubbard left one man dead and three others critically injured, as reported by NBC Chicago, underscoring how volatile the area’s late-night scene has become.
Police Appeal For Tips
Area Three detectives are handling the investigation and asked anyone with information to call (312) 744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, per FOX 32 Chicago. Officers also urged residents and businesses to hang on to any potentially relevant surveillance or doorbell camera footage that might help move the case forward.
Investigators continue canvassing the River North corridor for witnesses and video as they try to piece together the moments before and after the ambush. Police said they expect to release more information as it becomes available.
