Incident Overview

Chicago police said the incident unfolded just before 10:30 p.m. inside a liquor store in the 1900 block of West 51st Street in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Five people, including a suspect, were wounded after an argument led to a shootout inside the South Side liquor store on Friday night.

The Altercation

According to police, several people were inside the business when an argument broke out between two groups. The altercation became physical when a 22-year-old woman allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire before a second person, who officers described as a "male offender in the same party," grabbed the gun from the woman and fired more shots. Amid the gunfire, a man in the other group involved returned fire on the alleged shooters.

Suspects and Victims

Officers said following the shootout, the woman and the second shooter fled the scene. In total, five people, including the 22-year-old suspected shooter, suffered gunshot wounds in the shootout. A 48-year-old man who was shot in his abdomen and a 22-year-old man who was shot in his chest were both taken to the hospital in critical condition. Additionally, a 61-year-old woman who suffered a graze wound to her left elbow and a 46-year-old man who was shot in the left hand were taken to the hospital in good condition.

Response from Authorities

“Sadly this is a recurring theme in many of our communities, but most of all, in Back of the Yards, where individuals who have weapons, many of them illegally, are using them in the most mundane or idiotic arguments," Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) said. “It’s not an excuse to pull out guns like we’re in the old west, and sadly, we see this story repeat itself time and time again," Lopez added.

Investigation and Aftermath

The suspected shooter, who officers said was shot in her heel and thigh, took herself to the hospital, where she was listed in good condition. She was later taken into custody in connection with the incident. It is unclear if the second suspected shooter is among the wounded victims. Police said no guns were recovered on the scene and it is unclear what led to the argument.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community, particularly in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. The use of guns in arguments and the ease of access to firearms are contributing factors to the recurring theme of violence. It is essential for the community to come together to address these issues and work towards finding solutions to prevent such incidents in the future.

FAQs

• Q: How many people were injured in the shootout?
  A: Five people, including a suspect, were wounded after an argument led to a shootout inside the South Side liquor store.
• Q: What led to the argument?
  A: It is unclear what led to the argument.
• Q: Were any guns recovered on the scene?
  A: No, police said no guns were recovered on the scene.
• Q: What is the condition of the suspected shooter?
  A: The suspected shooter was listed in good condition after being shot in her heel and thigh and was later taken into custody.
• Q: What is being done to address the issue of gun violence in the community?
  A: The community and authorities are working together to address the issue, but more needs to be done to prevent such incidents in the future.