City worker shot in face on job site in Auburn-Gresham

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A City of Chicago Water Department worker was shot just before 8 a.m. Friday in the South Side Auburn-Gresham neighborhood, police said.

A water department spokesperson said one of their crews was "fired on this morning while getting ready to set up for the day" in the 1400-block of West 85th Street. Officials say the 28-year-old worker was struck in the cheek and hospitalized in serious condition.

"I saw a four-door Chevy or Toyota pull up and start shooting," neighbor Laverna Dungey said.

The Neighborhood Watch member immediately called 911.

A Chicago Water Department spokesperson said the attack happened as the wounded worker and his crew arrived to finish an ongoing sewer repair project on the block.

Co-workers say he's worked for the department for two years and was supposed to attend his apprenticeship graduation Saturday.

"It bothers us especially the crew that he worked with because a lot of times they were at the same location," said Brian Konkoleski, Chicago Water Department supervisor.

As the police search for the gunman, the neighborhood has been left on-edge.

"We don't have this around here, it's a quiet area - it's the first time that we've had this. For shooting at a city worker, you should be in jail," Dungey said.

The victim's brother, family and friends left the hospital Friday afternoon without comment.