2 shot, critically injured in Edgewater – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Edgewater – Two men were shot and left in critical condition Thursday morning in the 1400 block of West Thome Avenue, according to Chicago Fire Department officials. The gunfire erupted around 7 a.m. near North Greenview Avenue, close to Hayt Elementary School and Northside Catholic Academy. Police responded to reports of shots fired and secured the area before students arrived for the school day.
What Happened on the Ground
Officers found the victims on the street with a weapon nearby. One man had been walking his dog at the time of the attack. Paramedics worked on both men at the scene before rushing them to a nearby hospital, where they remained in critical condition hours later.
Chicago police have not released a motive or suspect description. The block was cordoned off for several hours while investigators processed evidence. Residents reported hearing a series of pops followed by silence, then additional shots.
Witnesses Describe the Scene
John O’Malley was in his living room when he heard the first shots. He saw a woman and a girl run across a nearby parking lot, then watched two people fall to the ground. He immediately called 911 and later noted the dog standing guard over one victim.
The animal refused to leave its owner and snapped at arriving officers until they secured it to a nearby tree. Neighbors described the dog as protective throughout the response. O’Malley called the animal’s actions a clear sign it was doing its job.
Schools and Residents React
The shooting occurred before morning drop-off at two nearby schools. Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth confirmed in a letter to residents that no children were involved and that the area was quickly secured. She emphasized that students reached class safely.
Longtime resident Nancy Onderdonk said the violence felt unusually close. She has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years and called the incident a wake-up call for greater community involvement. Other neighbors expressed shock that such an event happened in broad daylight on a residential block.
Broader Concerns in the Area
Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth stressed the need to remove illegal guns from Chicago streets. She described any form of violence as unacceptable and listed public safety as her top priority. The shooting remains under active investigation by Chicago police.
Officials continue to urge anyone with information to contact authorities. The incident adds to ongoing discussions about gun violence in residential neighborhoods across the city.
