1 shot, 1 stabbed, at least 15 arrested as teen mob swarms downtown Chicago again

On Friday evening, chaos erupted in Streeterville and parts of the Loop as hundreds of teenagers took to the streets, resulting in a series of violent incidents. According to Chicago Police Department statements and law enforcement sources, a boy was shot, a man was stabbed, at least 15 people were arrested, several individuals were taken to hospitals, and two firearms were recovered.

This incident marked the second time this month that a “teen trend” has taken over Streeterville. The earlier incident on March 9 resulted in a tourist being shot. In response to the escalating situation, CPD deployed units from various neighborhoods across the city to manage the estimated 300 teenagers causing havoc in the downtown area.

One of the first major incidents of the night involved an 18-year-old man who was stabbed during an altercation inside a store on North State Street. The victim was stabbed in the back with a knife, and he was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in fair condition. The suspect was not identified by the police.

Shortly after, a 15-year-old boy was shot in the 400 block of North Cityfront Plaza, right in front of NBC Tower. Police officers heard shots fired around 9:41 p.m. and witnessed a large group of people fleeing the scene. The boy sustained a graze wound to his leg and was transported to Lurie Children’s Hospital in good condition. A single shell casing was found at the corner of Columbus and North Water, across from the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel.

Throughout the night, there were reports of widespread disturbances, fights, and the use of Tasers among the teenagers, with most of the activity centered in Streeterville. A video captured individuals using Tasers on each other during one clash.

Earlier this month, a 46-year-old woman visiting from out of town was shot near the same area, prompting calls for a curfew for juveniles by Ald. Brian Hopkins. However, Mayor Brandon Johnson dismissed the idea despite the escalating violence.

The incidents in Streeterville highlight the need for increased security measures and community intervention to address the growing trend of violence among teenagers. The authorities continue to investigate the incidents and work towards ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the area.