Gang shooting claims life of Chicago city employee caught in crossfire
CHICAGO -- A city of Chicago employee was fatally shot, and a man was seriously wounded, near Chicago Police Department headquarters Friday afternoon in a shooting authorities say was gang-related, reports CBS Chicago.
The woman herself was an innocent victim simply walking out of a Starbucks at 35th and State around 4 p.m., Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson told reporters at the scene. The intended target was a documented gang member, Johnson said.
The female victim, who was in her 40s, was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.
"The female victim is completely innocent. She just happened to be exiting out of a Starbucks where she was struck by a gunshot," Johnson said.
A family member identified the woman as Yvonne Nelson. The 49-year-old worked for the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC), officials confirmed.
"Yvonne Nelson was a dedicated and hardworking employee of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where she served as a communications operator in the 311 City Services division since 2002," the department said in a prepared statement Friday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed by her fellow staff at 311."
The other shooting victim, a male in his 20s, was transported in critical condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The incident occurred a couple of blocks away from Chicago Police headquarters on Michigan Avenue. Police brass had gathered at the central office to hold a 3 p.m. news conference on a gang crackdown that netted several arrests and the seizure of illegal weapons.
"This incident right here highlights what I've been saying for the last month and a half -- about how brazen these violent offenders are," Johnson said at the shooting scene.
An investigation continues.