McCarthy: South Shore shooting appears to be gang violence

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said the motive in a South Shore shooting that left six people injured, including two teens, appears to be gang violence.

First responders said they found four wounded people inside Sudz Coin Laundry and two outside in the 2600-block of East 79th Street around 8:15 p.m. Monday. McCarthy said some of the wounded were gang members.

"Preliminary indications are this is some kind of gang violence," McCarthy said. "Whether it's retaliation or what, we're not positive. But it fits the pattern that we're accustomed to seeing."

Sudz Coin Laundry is back open for business after Monday's shooting. Customer Lisa Thompson says she's decided not to take the time to fold clothes; she wants to get back home before something else happens. Thompson lives nearby and heard Monday night's gun shots.

"When we were sitting out front, we heard gunshots, it was about 15-16 shots," said Thompson.

While police are relying on surveillance cameras to help find the shooter, officers were also looking for information by stopping young men on the street. The South Shore and South Chicago neighborhoods have become increasingly violent in recent years.

"I'm only a block and a half, I don't want to walk to the laundromat because of that," said Ezquel Herrera, resident.

New 7th Ward Alderman Natashia Holmes would love to see this area, just blocks from the lake, return to the safe place it was when she was growing up. She says her job is to figure out a way to engage residents so they become vigilant in protecting their blocks.

"We have to get them engaged in a way that if you see something, you say something, if you know someone with illegal guns, rid ourselves of the gun problem," said Ald. Holmes.

"I'm only a block and a half away from here but I don't dare walk to the dollar store or the laundromat because of this," Sudz customer Ezequeil Herrera said. "On a daily basis I think it's going to be me next."

"I'm hoping for everybody to be able to walk the streets go to the laundromat and feel safe," Valerie Nealy said. "That's all."

An earlier report from Chicago Fire Department officials said seven people were wounded in the shooting. Police said the seventh person was injured in his foot, but it was not the result of a gunshot wound.

Investigators continue to search for a suspect.