Police beef up patrols in Uptown after 2 shootings near Clarendon Park

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police say they are beefing up patrols in the city's Uptown community following a weekend of violent activities near the lakefront. Some of the mayhem was captured on video.

There were two shootings within a block of each other Saturday and Sunday night in the Uptown neighborhood. One resident shot video of the incident on Saturday night and posted it on YouTube. That's drawing more attention to the problem and has many neighbors frightened and looking for answers.

The video shows several young men chasing and beating each other as a crowd of at least several dozen people scattered. Sean Battle shot the pictures from his balcony in the building across the street. He says moments earlier he heard numerous gunshots, then police sirens.

"It was flooded with cops, before you know it, a fight breaks out right here in the street. It was pretty wild," said Battle.

Other neighbors also heard the brawl a little after 9 p.m. Saturday night. It happened near a park in the Uptown neighborhood not far from the lake. They say it appeared to involve some sort of gang dispute.

"We could hear it from our apartment, 20-25 quick, sharp shots, and police response was immediate, said Lauren Fahey, neighbor.

"These are older gang members, they're not just the young kids. That's what's kind of frightening to me," said Max Reising, neighbor.

Longtime residents say the violence in the neighborhood has increased recently. Alderman James Cappleman was unavailable to talk about it, but sent out this tweet over the weekend saying: "Police Commander will be stepping up more patrols around Clarendon Park Fieldhouse. Reviewing Police & Park plans to quell illegal activity."

Residents are hoping it works.

"I just moved in three months ago, so it's, you know, a little concerning it happened right outside my apartment," said Dan Bruce.

But Sean Battle said he's getting out.

"I'm just glad I'm moving this week. But it's pretty sad, whatever's going on around here, I hope these young guys can get it more under control, but it's pretty scary," said Battle.

Despite all the gunfire, Eyewitness News was told no one was fatally injured during either shooting incident. Police are still investigating. Several neighbors say they are hoping to organize a community meeting to address the problem.