4 wounded in drive-by shooting outside dance studio in Humboldt Park

Diane Pathieu Image
Monday, January 22, 2018
4 shot in drive-by shooting outside dance studio in Humboldt Park
A 19-year-old woman was among four people who were shot in a drive-by shooting early Sunday at a birthday party in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 19-year-old woman was among four people who were wounded in a drive-by shooting early Sunday at a birthday party in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood.

The woman was shot in the neck and in serious condition Sunday morning at Stroger Hospital.

The shooting occurred just after 1 a.m. outside a private party at Legacy Dance Association dance studio in the 3200-block of West Division Street on the West Side.

A 30-year-old woman was also shot in the arm, a 21-year-old man was shot in the hand and a 24-year-old man was shot in the lower back.

Neighbors said it's not the first issue on the block.

A home security camera from across the street captured party-goers taking cover during the drive-by shooting.

"Last night at 1 o'clock in the morning, as I was sleeping, I heard six to eight gunshots rang out. I jumped out the bed and looked out the window," said neighbor Richard Karwowski.

As a 19-year-old woman was walking into the party, someone fired shots from a passing car, hitting the woman and three others gathered near the entrance.

"I understand some girl came running up and they were trying to get her and innocent people are in the way," said Karwowski.

The dance studio was back open Sunday night with the bullet holes still in the front window.

Neighbors said the problems usually happen here on weekend nights during private parties. They said the dance studio turns into a nightclub after hours. Some want the owners to put an end to the private parties.

"They are letting out at 4, 5, 6 o'clock in the morning and gangs are going by and it's immediately attracting shootings," said Karwowski.

Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th Ward) planned to meet with the owners of the dance studio Monday afternoon to discuss shutting down the private parties.

No one was in custody Sunday night.