Woman shot in Fulton River District near downtown Chicago by man on bicycle, police say
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police are searching for a man who on a bicycle who shot a woman Wednesday in the Fulton River District, just blocks from downtown Chicago.
The shooting occurred around 11:50 a.m. in the in the 200 block of North Milwaukee Avenue, west of the Chicago River. The 29-year-old woman was walking to lunch with coworkers when a man rode by on a dark mountain bike and shot her in the back, according to police.
The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Her condition has been stabilized and she's expected to survive, police said.
Chicago police believe the woman may have been targeted, but they said they haven't had prior contact with her through past complaints or orders of protection.
"Based on the information we have right now, the shooter passed by a group of individuals and went directly to her to extend his arm and fired one single gunshot," said Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson. "Witnesses have said the shooter didn't say anything prior to opening fire on the victim."
Witnesses described the suspect as a man wearing a black hat and black T-shirt. He was captured by multiple surveillance cameras pedaling away.
CPD Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi released surveillance video of the offender on a bicycle armed with a handgun.
"It happened so fast, I didn't know what happened," said Charles Williams, a witness. "I thought it was a firecracker at first, but when I see the lady lying on the ground, I said, 'Damn, I think somebody got shot.'"
Two Union Pacific Railroad workers were standing on the track above the scene when they heard gunshots.
"So that's when we looked down from the rails and seen there was a white female on the ground," said witness Everett McGee.
McGee said the victim looked like she was wearing business attire.
"And you know, it's like twelve o'clock in the afternoon. Nobody expects anything like that," McGee said.
No one is in custody at this time, according to police.
Police are asking for anyone with information on the suspect to contact the department immediately.
