Several readers have told us about shots being fired around
Sheridan & Ainslie or
Sheridan & Argyle around 6:15-6:20 tonight:
I was just on the 151 Sheridan bus at about Sheridan & Ainslie (I'm not totally sure of the intersection) when we heard a shot fired very nearby. Only one guy got down immediately - I had to hear the second shot before I my non-native-Chicago brain processed what was happening ("... fireworks?").
Everyone got down on the floor until the bus started moving (and a few stayed down a bit longer) - I counted four shots in total, but it might have been five, and there was an echo. I tried to take it like a true Chicagoan, getting right up when the shots stopped and laughing as the bus driver asked if anyone needed to get off at that stop. A gentleman across the aisle from me said, "What was that, a firecracker?" "No," I said.
Absolutely disgusting. If anyone has any further information, please post it in the comments.
I heard three distinct gunshots from my apartment at the western end of Margate Ter. Sounded like it came from the other side of Buttercup Park near Argyle. I called 911 as I'm sure many other concerned Uptowners did, but I can't say that I noticed a response. No lights or sirens. Just silence. This is such a disheartening pattern. It's obvious there are many who love their patches of Uptown and want to see it turn the corner, but I'm giving in to the thought that there is little left to do other than move. It's getting harder and harder to justify living here at the expense of my family's safety. What hope is left?
ReplyDeleteJeff...just to address a few of your concerns. Just because you didn't see lights and hear sirens doesn't mean the coppers weren't there. Sometimes, the last thing they want to do is show up with an advance warning. It can be more helpful to them to not show up with lights and sirens. I'm sure if there is a report of a person injured, the response is different.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't make it a better situation, but I just wanted to address your concern that your calls were not being taken seriously.
What does "winter" have to do with this in your headline? Inquiring minds want to know.
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense, Joe. I realize the police are doing everything they can to keep us safe, and I do appreciate their hard work, especially under such difficult circumstances. My previous comment came across as overly critical of the police, and I apologize for positioning my frustration in that way.
ReplyDeleteThe disheartening pattern I was referring to was the ongoing cycle of violence that the good people of Uptown seem powerless to stop.
I don't think that true Chicagoans stand up after hearing gun shots and laugh them off! That's more like a small town person's perception of what a city person does. For god's sake, if you hear gunshots, hit the deck! A bullet to the head is not cool by anyone's standards!!!
ReplyDelete@No Different,
ReplyDeleteNobody likes to be outside in the winter. Even gang bangers. Gang vs frost? Frost wins.
I live in the building on Argyle right next to the now defunct Somerset Place on Sheridan. I heard about 3 or 4 shots, but they sounded like they were either coming from Carmen or the alley behind my building. They were way too close to mistake for firecrackers and my Detroit ears will back that up. I looked out, but it didn't seem like any pedestrians out there were too distressed. I saw a couple people look around and then nonchalantly walk to their car. I guess we're getting a little too used to the sound.... I see there's been no news stories or police activity, so I'm guessing there were no injuries.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed as if it were only last winter the 'bangers stayed inside due to the bitter cold.
ReplyDelete