Chicago police solve 6% of non-fatal shootings, review finds, as mayor criticized
The city of Chicago has been facing a serious issue when it comes to solving non-fatal shootings, with authorities only making arrests in 6% of the 19,000 cases reported in the past seven years. This alarming statistic was revealed in a recent investigation conducted by the Chicago Sun-Times.
According to the report, only 1,200 people have been arrested in connection with shootings since 2018. The neighborhoods on the South Side seem to be the most affected, with areas like Pullman and Burnside recording zero arrests for 64 and 38 shootings, respectively. Similarly, Ashburn on the West Side only saw five arrests out of 93 reported incidents, while Roseland had arrests made in only 35 out of 584 cases.
In contrast, O’Hare and Edison Park on the North Side recorded zero total shootings. On the other hand, Norwood Park and Beverly had the highest proportion of arrests at 29% and 33%, respectively. The downtown area, known as the “Loop,” saw 16% of its 85 cases solved.
The lack of arrests in these cases has raised concerns among residents and experts, as it may be contributing to the worsening violence in the city. Criminals are facing little deterrent against lawless behavior, leading to a cycle of violence.
One victim, Tom Wagner, who was carjacked and shot while working as a rideshare driver in 2021, expressed frustration over the lack of progress in his case. Despite reaching out to the police multiple times, he has yet to see any arrests made in connection with his shooting.
The Chicago Police Department has been criticized for having a smaller proportion of detectives compared to other major cities, which may be affecting their ability to solve these cases. Mayor Brandon Johnson has been called upon to address these concerns, but has not responded to requests for comment.
Last year, Johnson blamed his predecessors for the city’s current situation, pointing fingers at past Democratic mayors. The lack of accountability and cooperation with law enforcement has raised questions about the city’s ability to combat crime effectively.
In a recent congressional hearing, Johnson faced criticism over his administration’s handling of Chicago’s crime wave and allegations of not cooperating with ICE. While he denied some of the allegations, the city’s crime rate continues to be a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
As the city grapples with these challenges, it is crucial for officials to work together at every level of government to make critical investments in the community and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Only through collaboration and proactive measures can Chicago hope to address its crime epidemic and create a safer environment for its residents.
