Tow truck driver in critical condition after shooting on Chicago expressway

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A tow truck driver was on the Eisenhower Expressway overnight Thursday into Friday – and remained in serious condition hours afterward.

As CBS 2's Tara Molina reported, the tow truck driver was in surgery at Stroger Hospital of Cook County Friday afternoon. The driver's coworkers said he was recovering, as Illinois State Police continued to investigate the shooting.

State police told us the shooting happened just before 11 p.m. Thursday in the inbound lanes of the Eisenhower at California Avenue, on Chicago's West Side.

Bullet holes were left in the side of the white tow truck, which appeared to belong to Route 83 towing. 

Responding officers found the tow truck parked here on the right shoulder. The driver had been shot multiple times and was wounded in the head – and his injuries were considered life-threatening.

We have learned this was the 127th expressway shooting in the Chicago area this year. It was also the 29th on the Eisenhower alone.

Police did not tell us how many of those shooting investigations have resulted in arrests, as they continue their search for who pulled the trigger.

State Police said the tow truck driver was the only one in the vehicle at the time of the shooting, but would not tell us if they believe this shooting was targeted.

State Police would only say that they're looking to talk to anyone who witnessed the shooting or has more information about it.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting is asked to call Illinois State Police Zone 1 at (847) 294-4400, or email ISP.CrimeTips@Illinois.gov. Witnesses may remain anonymous.