Drive-by shooting caught on video near North Side CTA station, 3 injured

The intersection of Howard and Paulina in Chicago has unfortunately gained a reputation as one of the most violent spots on the city’s North Side. Over the weekend, this reputation was reinforced when a drive-by gunman opened fire on a group of men hanging out on the corner, injuring three individuals. Despite the close proximity of the shooter and the presence of many bystanders, miraculously everyone survived the attack.

Surveillance footage captured the harrowing incident, showing a group of men loitering on the corner as a gray sedan approached and began shooting. In the chaos that ensued, most people ran for cover, but one pedestrian crossing the street seemed unfazed, continuing on their way as if nothing was amiss.

The Chicago Police Department reported that three men were injured in the shooting, with one in critical condition after being shot in the hand and chest. This recent incident adds to a troubling history of violence at this intersection, with multiple shootings occurring in the past year.

Last year alone, five people were shot on the 1600 block of West Howard, with two additional shootings on Paulina Street. Tragically, three of the victims from last year’s shootings did not survive. The prevalence of violence in this area has been attributed to an open-air drug market, located just a block away from the busy Howard CTA station.

In response to the spike in violence, police have cracked down on the area, making arrests for gun possession and related crimes. Despite these efforts, the intersection of Howard and Paulina continues to be a hotspot for criminal activity.

As the community grapples with the ongoing challenges of violence in this area, it is clear that more work needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. The recent shooting serves as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to address the root causes of violence in this neighborhood.