Lumes Pancake House shooting: Man fatally shot at Morgan Park restaurant ID'd
4 others wounded after 20-30 shots fired into dining tent outside popular restaurant, witnesses say
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Lumes Pancake House in Morgan Park remains closed, following a deadly shooting Sunday that left one man dead and four others injured. Police saying Monday, in no uncertain terms, it was a planned hit.
"He was 100% targeted. They stood over and shot him after they originally shot," Chief of Detective Brendan Deenihan said.
A man who Chicago police said was shot at Lumes Pancake House in Morgan Park Sunday afternoon has been identified.
Devon Welsh, 31, of Chicago was identified as the man fatally shot at the restaurant at 11601 South Western Avenue at about 1:30 p.m., according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
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While no arrests have been made, police said they are following up on surveillance video captured from the restaurant which they believe identifies both the gunmen and the vehicle the suspects were in.
Witnesses said they heard 20-30 shots fired into the restaurant's large white tent that is set up in the parking lot and used for additional seating. Regulars said the extra space is especially needed on weekends, as the restaurant is popular with the after-church crowd.
"We can't say that the people there were in the wrong place at the wrong time, when in actuality they're at the right place. They're enjoying Chicago, enjoying a Sunday afternoon. I myself come here often. I love this area," Pastor Donovan Price said.
Police said the 31-year-old man who died at the scene was the target of the shooting and was known to police. He was dining outdoors under the tent when police said several men in a white SUV pulled up and started shooting.
"It's mind-boggling. I mean, there were children underneath that tent," said Alderman Matt O'Shea, 19th Ward.
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Witnesses said after the shooting was over, the gunmen jumped back into the white SUV and drove off.
"We don't know if it was stolen, rental or what? But hopefully the video footage can show images of the individuals that jumped out of this vehicle," crisis responder Andrew Holmes said.
A 43-year-old woman was shot in the stomach and buttock and a 32-year-old woman was shot in the thigh, police said. Both were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in stable condition.
A 32-year-old man who was shot in the thigh is now in stable condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center, police said. A 30-year-old woman who was shot in the foot is in good condition at Little Company of Mary Hospital.
It wasn't immediately clear whether those injured were part of the same dining party as the intended target, or innocent bystanders.
"I saw people being put in ambulances and all the police cars and so forth. It was just so stressful because it's so peaceful and quiet and tranquil here," said restaurant patron Debra Crockett. "I celebrate all my birthdays [and] special occasions here. Just brought my mom here on the 19th to celebrate her birthday."
Relatives for one of the women injured denounced the senselessness of it all and lamented how routine this has all become for many in the City of Chicago.
"I won't lie to you, it's kind of normal for me. But for it to hit home, you know, it's always that much worse. Of course I'm affected by it, yeah," said Trevaugh Roberson, victim's cousin. "For me, personally, this goes on all day, everyday. Everybody knows this already. I just hope for better days."
No one is in custody. Area Two detectives are investigating.
Welsh is one of 10 people who were killed by gun violence in Chicago over the weekend.
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The recent violence precedes new numbers from CPD Superintendent David Brown who said in a Monday press conference that murder in the city is down 50% in the six weeks since completing a reorganization of the police department. He added that shootings are also down 15% compared to the previous six weeks.
"Our clearance rate for homicides is 40%. We have some room to improve, but that's still a significant improvement," Supt. Brown said.
Anyone with information about the shootings in Chicago is encouraged to submit a tip anonymously to CPDTip.com.
