A 40-year-old man was critically wounded Friday when gunfire broke out on Chicago’s West Side in the Austin neighborhood, authorities said. Police reported that the victim was standing near the sidewalk on the 5800 block of West Division Street around 12:19 p.m. when someone opened fire. He was hit multiple times and rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, while the shooter took off.
According to FOX 32 Chicago, officers said an unknown male opened fire, then fled westbound on Division Street and remained at large as of Friday afternoon. The station reported that the Chicago Police Department provided the initial information and that Area Five detectives have taken over the case. No arrests were reported and police did not release any suspect descriptions in the early hours of the investigation.
Austin Neighborhood Has Seen Multiple Shootings
The Austin community has already weathered several violent incidents this year, frustrating residents and local leaders who have been pushing to curb gun violence. Hoodline previously covered the West Walton fatal shooting, which also sent a victim to Mount Sinai Hospital, highlighting how shootings have clustered across the area. Community groups and local aldermen have continued to call for a mix of stepped-up patrols and long-term prevention programs in response.
Investigation Underway
Police told reporters that Area Five detectives are handling the investigation and that no suspect description has been released, per FOX 32 Chicago. Authorities did not immediately provide information about a possible motive or release the victim’s identity. Officials said the Chicago Police Department supplied the early details to media outlets…