Chicago Sees Sharp Drop In Weekend Shootings
CHICAGO (CBS)—Weekend shootings in Chicago took a sharp dip from last weekend when close to 70 people were hit by gunfire.
Police stepped up patrols last weekend in several violence-prone neighborhoods on the south and west sides, including Calumet and Gresham on the South Side and west side areas including Austin, Harrison and Ogden.
Chicago police have said they plan to continue cracking down on large groups of people who gather in the streets.
No mass shootings were reported last weekend.
Chicago Police are not exactly celebrating, but after last weekend's violent outbreak, they say they are pleased with this past weekend.
Last weekend 66 people were shot and 12 people were killed.
This weekend 31 people were shot and no one was killed.
CBS 2's Lauren Victory reports police say they broke up 120 parties across the city over the weekend, which may have made the difference.
#Chicago saw 53% less shooting victims this wkd over last. 31 hurt (no murders) v. 12 dead, 54 injured last #Friday thru #Sunday. #ChicagoPolice said main difference was focus on #party crackdowns. They broke up 120 gatherings across city! Still, party-goer was shot here on 73rd. pic.twitter.com/EqYH6epY3O
— LAUREN VICTORY (@LaurenVictory) August 13, 2018
Some areas, like the 10th District, heard the same number of sirens. Officers say they will not quit until they see results everywhere.
"All of a sudden, I come out my door and he's laying on the ground," recalled Carl Johnson, saddened by the violence he witnessed on his Auburn Gresham block Sunday. He says he's also lifed up by the statistic that the 6th District only saw one shooting all weekend.
Last Friday through Sunday, at least 11 people were hurt and a 17-year old was killed in the area.
"I'm so glad that the officers have been showing a lot of activity over here because, you know, you got a lot of kids that are over here," Carl Johnson said.
Hundreds of extra officers have been assigned to Johnson's neighborhood and others prone to violence. The influx may have played a role in the fact that no one was murdered in Chicago this past Friday through Sunday.
No one had to run from chaotic mass shootings and no one had to grieve for a murdered son or daughter.
Last weekend, 12 people died.
"One thing that may have been a bit different is the fact that we focused on more on large street gatherings," said Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.
CPD says officers broke up multiple parties because they tend to attract violence.
At least one woman was shot after a celebration on 73rd Street early Sunday morning.
"It's wish washy, you can never tell," said Englewood resident Devonta Lee when asked if this weekend's lower amount of gun violence brings hope. "I just want everyone to get some money and live long.
"It'll never fully stop, but if it could just slow down some, it'll be okay," said Carl Johnson.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel credited community cooperation for the relatively calmer weekend.
Police say they are still looking for help. They have not made many arrests in the 50 shootings between last weekend and this weekend.
RELATED ARTICLES:
CPD To Deploy 400+ Additional Officers To Chicago's West, South Sides
Teens Affected By Crime Help Plan Chicago National Night Out Event
CPD To Announce Plans To Deploy Extra Officers In Some Neighborhoods
Pastors Pray For Victims, Call For Changes After Weekend's Bloodshed
Lawndale Residents Refuse To Accept Violence As The Norm
At Least 30 People Shot Overnight In Chicago
'We Have A Heavy Heart': Mayor, Top Cop Lament Bloody Weekend In Chicago
Giuliani Praises 'Jerry' McCarthy, Slams Rahm 'Emmanuel' In Tweetstorm On Chicago Gun Violence
List Of The Dead In Weekend Of Chicago Violence
