Man killed in shootout in West Loop; CTA Blue Line trains stopped nearby, officials say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- CTA Blue Line trains were stopped Saturday evening on the Near West Side due to police activity after a man was killed in an exchange of gunfire nearby.

The shooting happened around 6:04 p.m. on a pedestrian walking bridge near the vestibule of the CTA Blue Line platform in the 400 block of South Peoria Street at Van Buren, Chicago police said.

The overpass near the UIC campus was closed but later reopened after hours of investigation.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Two men, ages 24 and 61, were at the location and involved in a verbal argument that escalated into an exchange of gunfire, police said.

The older man was shot in the head during the shootout, CPD said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His identity was not yet known.

The younger man is being questioned by police at Area 3, officials said.

No other injuries were reported.

Trains were temporarily stopped Saturday evening at the UIC-Halsted station near West Loop because of the police activity, CTA officials said in a social media post.

"Blue Line trains are standing at UIC-Halsted due to police activity," a statement sent via a CTA Alerts email read. "At this time, also consider other service alternatives that may serve your trip, such as nearby bus routes, or using buses to other rail lines. Personnel are working to restore service. Allow extra travel time."

More than 10 shell casings could be seen on the ground at the shooting scene.

A man named Nate who lives nearby who explained some of the chaos he witnessed as the shooting happened.

"I heard about eight shots look out the window... guys shooting him," Nates said. "I'm looking out here, and this man is shooting eight times, there's still people walking casually around, you gotta run for cover or something."

No further information was immediately available as Chicago police continue to investigate.

This is a breaking news story. Check back with ABC7 for updates.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood