Deadly Drive-By Shooting Shakes Chicago's River North Neighborhood
In a tragic incident late Wednesday night, a drive-by shooting outside the Artis Restaurant and Lounge in Chicago's River North district claimed the lives of four people and left 14 others injured. The chaotic scene unfolded around 11 p.m. as a crowd gathered following a mixtape release party hosted by rapper Mello Buckzz.
The Incident Unfolded
According to police reports, a dark-colored vehicle drove past the venue in the 300-block of West Chicago Avenue and fired multiple shots into the crowd before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts captured the frantic moments as emergency responders rushed to assist the wounded.
Victims and Hospitalization Details
- Two men, aged 24 and 25, were transported to Stroger Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
- Two women were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and later pronounced deceased.
- At least three other victims remain in critical condition, including injuries to various parts of the body.
- Ten additional individuals were hospitalized in stable to fair condition across multiple medical centers.
The ages of those shot range from 21 to 32 years old. Many were part of the crowd leaving the lounge after the album release event.
Community Impact and Responses
Friends and family gathered near hospitals anxiously awaiting news, sharing heartbreaking stories. One grieving mother reported that her daughter and her daughter's girlfriend were both victims of the shooting, highlighting the personal toll of this tragedy.
Locals recall hearing dozens of gunshots, with one neighbor describing the night as "the worst" in quite some time in the area.
Rapper Mello Buckzz, who was hosting the event, posted an emotional call for prayers on social media, expressing her sorrow and disbelief over the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Chicago police are actively investigating the shooting, with early indications suggesting multiple shooters may have been involved. No arrests have been made to date, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
This location has a history of violence, with a previous shooting resulting in fatalities and injuries in 2022, which led to the city's intervention at the establishment.
Looking Ahead
The community continues to grapple with the trauma caused by this event as law enforcement works to bring those responsible to justice. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
