CHICAGO (WLS) -- A man is dead after a shooting led to a crash at a West Side strip mall early Friday morning, Chicago police said.
Police said it happened in the North Austin neighborhood's 4900-block of West North Avenue just after 3:30 a.m.
Officers responded to a call about a person shot and found a 37-year-old man inside an SUV that had crashed into the wall of a Ross store at the strip mall.
Police said the victim, who suffered two gunshot wounds to his chest, was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
What led up to the shooting was not immediately clear, but police are linking the homicide to two other crime scenes.
Officers taped off the area of a BMO Bank, just a few yards away in the same strip mall, as they searched for evidence.
Police also blocked off a white Kia with a damaged driver's side about 2 miles away, at West Washington Boulevard and North Cicero Avenue.
Police said all three scenes are connected to the shooting death, but would not share additional details.
"I'm praying for the family, my condolences," said Don Tillman with the Institute for Non-violent Chicago. "A lot of us are from different areas in the neighborhood, probably some of the most violent areas in the neighborhood, and we all come together to try and keep the problems out. We work together to keep the community safer."
There is no one in custody, and Area Five detectives are investigating.
Ald. Emma Mitts, who represents the 37th Ward, issued a statement, saying, "This first month of the new year is having a tragic start but, my 37th Ward Aldermanic office is coordinating with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to hopefully generate a good ending. A violent shooting unfortunately claimed the life of a man in Austin, on the 4900 Block of West North Avenue at the Ross Department Store in the Mall, shortly after 3am this morning. The adult male was driving when he was shot several times at point-blank range before crashing into the store. The victim was taken to Mt. Siani Hospital, where he sadly and tragically was pronounced dead, according to Chicago police. Another related shooting happened at the nearby BMO Bank during this same incident. There was no immediate apparent motive, and currently no one is in custody, which makes it even more disturbing. This is NOT how we want to start the New Year of 2025!"
"As Alderwoman, I have shared my deepest thanks to the CPD for their quick reaction time and saving other residents and businesses from potential harm. There is currently an active death investigation underway related to this tragic loss of life."
"These senseless violent shootings must stop!! Recently as a matter of fact, I - - 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts met with the 25th District CPD Commander to discuss proactive new strategies designed to immediately change this dynamic. I'm strategizing with the Chicago Police for more neighborhood patrols and constantly engaging the 37th Wards strong network of block clubs and community groups to increase their awareness, and security camera visibility to help deter criminal incidents across the community. This week we held our monthly community meeting where these issues were highlighted with 37th Ward community members."
"We must all work together to save lives and reduce crime in our communities, and any help is appreciated. There is currently a death investigation underway related to this tragic loss of life. I further encourage anyone with any information to contact either 911, or the 15th District Police Station at 312-746-8605 (you can ask to remain anonymous)."
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