Uptick in highway shootings leads to more IL troopers on patrol

More Illinois State Police troopers will be on patrol after a jump in the number of highway shootings in the Chicago area.

"We will continue the safety of our motorists through the visibility, vigilance, and enforcement," Illinois State Police Major Luis Gutierrez said. The number of troopers on the highways will more than double from midnight to 5 a.m. over the weekend.

Operation Ryan's Hope launched last year on the Dan Ryan. Now, it will be extended to the Eisenhower Expressway.

By August of 2014, 11 people were hurt in 19 shootings compared to the 12 people hurt in 26 shootings in 2015. Troopers said most of the shootings are targeted and gang-related.

"We will also utilize covert and undercover vehicles to quickly detect criminal activity and make arrests," Illinois State Police District Chicago Captain David Byrd said. "Our goal is to make our roadways safer and target those individuals who have a total disregard for the laws of this state."

Earlier this week, someone opened fire on a Toyota on the Kennedy. No one was injured, but traffic was a mess.

"The shooting on Monday has been an anomaly for us and particularly because it happened on the Kennedy," Major Gutierrez said.

There have been neither arrests nor motive in that shooting.