The shooting happened in the 1400-block of South Morgan Street, right in front of the University of Illinois Chicago athletic fields, which were deserted when the crime took place.
The Benford security company confirmed one of their employees, a 44-year-old security guard and father who worked at BJ Wright Court apartments, a housing complex across the street, was the apparent target.
ABC7 employee Lauro Lopez lives near the shooting and was awakened just after 4 a.m.
"I just heard a loud noise, gunshots, and I woke up, because it was a so loud. I thought they were right inside my condo building," Lopez said.
Bullets riddled several cars parked on the street near the shooting. Police say the security guard, shot several times in his torso, was pronounced dead at the scene.
They are unsure of how many gunmen fired the shots or why they may have targeted the security guard. But some neighbors are concerned.
"Summer's here. It's gonna escalate, and I'm afraid," said neighbor Lisa Ludwig.
Police say the gunmen fled the area in a dark-colored sedan. Neighbors say they made a quick and loud exit.
"After they were done shooting, I heard a car peel off down 14th Place, going west," Lopez said.
Police say Area Three detectives are investigating, but at this point, they have no one in custody.
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