Tragedy Strikes in Little Village: One Man Killed, Six Wounded in Shooting
A devastating shooting occurred late Saturday night in the Little Village neighborhood on the city’s Southwest Side, leaving one man dead and six others wounded. The incident took place during a prayer vigil in the front yard of a residence in the 2500 block of South Spaulding Avenue.
The Shooting
According to Chicago police, a jeep stopped on the street just after 10 p.m. Saturday and someone exited, firing multiple shots. One man was shot multiple times in the body and was pronounced dead at an area hospital shortly after being taken there in critical condition.
The Victim
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Froylan Garcia, 32, of Berwyn. Six other men were also shot, all listed in fair condition. The victims include:
- A 31-year-old man shot in the right thigh
- A 51-year-old man shot in the right buttocks
- A 35-year-old man with a graze wound to the top of the head
- A 39-year-old man shot in the left leg and right hand
- A 48-year-old man shot in the right calf
- A man in his 30s shot in the left leg, shoulder, and hand
Investigation
Police say nobody is in custody, and Area Four detectives are investigating. The shooting comes as the ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology is set to go dark in Chicago late Sunday. It is unclear whether a ShotSpotter alert prompted an officer response to Little Village late Saturday night.
Community Leader’s Plea
One community leader, Pastor Donovan Price, implored city residents to take action when they hear gunshots. "I want to make a plea to people now: If ShotSpotter is no longer active, it’s extra important that you call 911," he said. "Sometimes you get used to hearing gunshots in the community, and you don’t call. You almost become oblivious to it. It’s important that you call, try to know how many shots you heard. It’s important to take control. It’s a dangerous weekend, it’s a rough weekend in Chicago, and now we have families crying, lots of trauma on the scene."
Conclusion
The shooting in Little Village is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence in our communities. As the city navigates the transition away from ShotSpotter, it is crucial that residents take action to report gunshots and work together to create safer neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the shooting in Little Village?
A: A jeep stopped on the street and someone exited, firing multiple shots during a prayer vigil in the front yard of a residence.
Q: How many people were injured in the shooting?
A: One man was killed, and six others were wounded.
Q: Who is the victim?
A: The victim is Froylan Garcia, 32, of Berwyn.
Q: Are there any suspects in custody?
A: No, police say nobody is in custody, and Area Four detectives are investigating.
Q: What is the status of ShotSpotter in Chicago?
A: ShotSpotter is set to go dark in Chicago late Sunday.
