5 wounded in mass shooting near Lincoln Park Zoo
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Multiple people are hurt after a shooting in Lincoln Park early Saturday morning.
The shooting happened around 5 a.m. outside Lincoln Park Zoo, in the 1900 block of North Stockton Drive.
CBS 2's Asal Rezaei was on the scene near a farmers market where police blocked off the entire area.
Police say a group was gathered outside when an argument broke out and shots were fired. Over two dozen shell casings are being investigated by police on the scene.
We're told at least one person was found by officers and taken to the Illinois Masonic Hospital, and four others self-transported to Northwestern Hospital. Four men ages 23 to 44 are listed in critical condition and a 17-year-old girl is in fair condition.
One neighbor described hearing at least 10 gunshots.
The shooting happened in the heart of Lincoln Park, a busy area many people were shocked to learn five people were shot in just hours before the farmers market opened.
A woman who has been greeting people at the Green City Farmers Market says she arrived around 6:30 a.m. to find the area filled with police cars.
"It's been kind of weird because normally it's an open area. And not knowing people can't get through is, you know, that some people won't even be able to walk here easily or take a bus here," said Alice Smith.
As police processed the scene in the early morning, the farmers market was in full swing by 7 a.m. -- right next to the crime tape that stretched across the park.
"I'm not concerned," said Smith. "I've lived in Chicago 70 or more years, so no I'm not concerned, and lived on the South Side and further north, so, no, just be careful."
Grant and Hilary Williams live just blocks away.
"A little unnerving, especially with a 2-year-old," said Grant. "It seems like its getting less safe so I had to get a smart watch."
It's a purchase he said he made after noticing a recent spike in crime. They've been on high alert moreso than usual.
"If I go for a run, then I can contact my family if I'm hurt or mugged," he said.
"Instead of leaving without a phone like we used to," Hilary said.
The farmers market and the Lincoln Park Zoo planned to operate with normal hours Saturday as they were told the shooting was isolated and there is no longer a threat.
In a joint statement following the shooting, an area representative and alderman said, "We will work to ensure there is a rapid response to deter this from happening again. Chicago Police tell them they have committed to consistently patrol this area and our offices are looking into reinstating parking restrictions in strategic places and times at the request of the police."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Three detectives.