|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbors,
At approximately 3:48am this morning, four individuals were wounded in a drive-by shooting near Dearborn and Division. At this time, all individuals are in stable condition or have been released from the hospital. Police Observation Device (POD) camera footage shows shots were fired from a gray Acura sedan before fleeing southbound on Dearborn. Over 25 shell casing from a handgun as well as a long gun were discovered and catalogued by Chicago Police. A License Plate Reader (LPR) near the intersection was unable to identify the vehicle as it was not bearing license plates at the time.
Area 3 Chicago Police Detectives are currently conducting an extensive investigation that involves tracking and ascertaining the whereabouts of the fleeing vehicle despite the lack of license plates.
Reports indicate that the shooters were targeting a particular individual or group of individuals patronizing Gold Coast Social located at 7 W Division St (not all of whom were injured in the shooting). Surveillance footage also indicates large fights that were breaking out near the establishment prior to the incident. While the investigation is conducted and the facts are uncovered, I have made a formal request with Superintendent Snelling to issue a summary closure of Gold Coast Social nightclub. You may review a copy of that request below.
As you may know, I have been a vocal advocate for preventing the proliferation of late hour tavern licenses for the chronic quality of life issues that stem from them. In fact, this particular license holder has been involved in summary closures before, and even entered into a voluntary summary closure in the past.
As an Alderman, I cannot unilaterally revoke liquor licenses. However, I will ensure that any nexus between operators and violent activity is answered swiftly and decisively. As Gold Coast residents know, late hour nuisance activity is a stain on the neighborhood, and I have worked tirelessly within my authority to address the toxic behavior that stems from the operation of a few operators.
|
|
|
Sincerely,
Alderman Brian Hopkins
2nd Ward
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
