Bullet flies through West Pullman firehouse window

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago firefighters found themselves in the path of the city's gun violence late Tuesday night, after a firehouse on the Far South Side was damaged by gunfire.

Police were called just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday to the Engine 75 fire station in the 11900-block of South State Street in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood.

A bullet went through a side window and almost hit some of the firefighters inside.

A source told ABC7 Eyewitness News that once the bullet went through the window, it flew over a desk where firemen were sitting. Then it hit a locker about 15 ft. away fell on the floor of the apparatus area.

The Chicago Fire Department said no one was hurt and none of the vehicles housed in the station were damaged. Firehouse operations were not affected and Engine 75 remains in full service to respond to emergencies, CFD spokesperson Larry Langford said.

CFD officials said this wasn't the first time a firehouse had been hit by gunfire, but would not elaborate.

A woman who did not want to go on camera said she lives across the street and heard three shots Tuesday night. She said that's when she got down on her living room floor and prayed that the bullets wouldn't fly her way.

Curtis Green, who lives in the neighborhood, said he hears gunfire often and said it was a shame.

"It could be one, two, three shots, or someone shooting out of an automatic rifle," Green said.

"We'd like to not have this type of disturbance in the community, especially among our firefighters. I mean, jeez. They help the public," said Michael Austin, a neighbor.

"All I can say is, you know, they're a bunch of guys. They're always out mingling in the neighborhood. In warm weather, they are right out front. They talk to the community," Green said.

Myles Smith, another neighbor, said the community can't let fear get to them.

"When I'm outside I don't let fear strike me. Not saying I'm just outside all willy nilly, but it's like, if things are meant to be, they're meant to be," Smith said.

Police are investigating the incident as criminal damage to property. No one is in custody.