A quiet stretch of River North turned into a crime scene early Wednesday after a predawn shooting near the Royal Sonesta Chicago River North left one man dead and another wounded, according to police. The gunfire erupted around 3:20 a.m. in the 500 block of North State Street, bringing a heavy police presence to the normally nightlife-heavy corridor as officers taped off the area and began canvassing for clues.
What police said
Police said a 30-year-old man was shot multiple times and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A 65-year-old man was also hit, suffering a gunshot wound to the foot. He was transported to Northwestern and listed in fair condition.
An employee at the Royal Sonesta told officers he heard several shots ring out but said no hotel guests or staff were involved in the incident, according to ABC7 Chicago.
River North's late-night pattern
The shooting fits into a troubling pattern of late-night and predawn violence that has unsettled River North in recent months. On June 28, a man was critically wounded in what was described as a vehicle-based ambush, when an SUV pulled up and attackers opened fire before speeding away. That River North Ambush highlighted a series of quick-strike robberies and shootings involving cars in the neighborhood.
How to help investigators
Area Three detectives are leading the investigation and have not announced any arrests. Detectives remained in the neighborhood early Wednesday looking for witnesses and pulling surveillance video from nearby buildings. They said more details will be released as the case develops.
Anyone with information, cellphone footage or security video is urged to contact the Bureau of Detectives — Area 3 at (312) 744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, according to the Chicago Police Department.
