$1,000 reward offered in shooting of man watering lawn
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A $1,000 reward is being offered as police search for two men who robbed and shot a 71-year-old man who was watering his lawn in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood Tuesday.
Surveillance video captured the attack on Frederico Laguardia by two men who rode up to him on bicycles. The robbers took his wallet and shot him in the stomach before riding away. Laguardia was listed in fair condition at Mount Sinai Hospital.
"Don't be afraid. Stand up. We need our Chicago back, ok? We need Chicago back," said Pete Keller of United Legion One Nation.
In Marquette Park, neighbors and community activists appealed for information and passed out flyers door-to-door in hopes of cracking the case.
"If you know that's your son, your nephew, your uncle, no matter who he is, turn these two individuals in," said Andrew Holmes, crisis responder.
"They didn't pedal their bikes from 87th Street all the way down here. They're in the area. Someone knows something," said Michael Airhart of All Kids Matter.
In the police district that includes Marquette Park, the number of murders in 2016 is on pace to equal the total from the past two years combined.
In the wake of this last shooting some neighbors said they want out of Chicago, but community activists are pleading with them to remain.
"Don't leave. You're giving up. You're giving up to the criminals. You need to stay. This is your neighborhood, and you need to stay here and fight. Do not leave," said Raul Montes, Jr., community activist.
Wednesday night at Moody Bible Institute, a diverse group of people gathered from every corner of the city to listen to a desperate plea for change from a pulpit of peace.
"Too many mothers crying! Too much blood! Father, we need you today!" preached Donovan Price of Pray Chicago.
"From Roseland to Rogers Park, from Austin to downtown, praying for peace to happen," said Brian Dye of Legacy Christian Fellowship.
The service was attended by a New York City pastor who says he walked more than 700 miles from the East Coast to show support for Chicago, the epidemic of violence here garnering national attention.
