Chicago police release person of interest without charges in shooting across from Wrigley Field
Security was heightened in Wrigleyville on Friday for the Crosstown Classic between the Cubs and White Sox, one day after a man was shot near Murphy's Bleachers.
Chicago police had taken a person of interest in custody after the shooting, but that person was released without charges on Friday.
Police said a 26-year-old man was shot in the arm around 7 p.m. Thursday at Sheffield and Waveland avenues, across from the northeast corner of the ballpark and near the famous Murphy's Bleachers bar.
Witnesses described a group of teens getting into an argument next to Murphy's Bleachers before the shooting.
Allyson Jefferson, who lives nearby, was grabbing a drink with her boyfriend when the shots sent them running.
"We had just sat down for dinner, we were waiting on our food, and then all of a sudden we heard what I thought was I thought wase potentially fireworks," she said. "Right outside, 15 gunshots had gone off in the street."
The Cubs and White Sox kicked off this year's Crosstown Classic at 1:20 p.m. at Wrigley Field, and police said there would be extra security in place.
Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th), released a statement thanking the police department for their response to the shooting.
"The safety of the 44th Ward and all of those who visit is my top priority, and the extensive camera network in the area will ensure we have a clear understanding of what occurred and how to prevent it moving forward," Lawson said.
Crime data for the Lakeview neighborhood shows, so far this year – not including this week – shootings are down 100% compared to the same time period in 2024, consistent with a citywide drop in shootings. Friday's shooting outside Murphy's Bleachers was the first this year in Lakeview, compared to four from Jan. 1 through May 14, 2024.
However, data shows other violent times, like criminal sexual assault and aggravated battery, are up this year in Lakeview.
"Any bar owner in any entertainment district is going to be concerned that people are going to be afraid, and they don't want to come down," said Maureen Martino, the executive director of the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.
Martino she has an request for Mayor Brandon Johnson as the weather gets warmer.
"The mayor really needs to think about what we can do. This is the beginning of summer, and we understand people need places to go, but we cannot wait a whole summer until there is a place and the city has developed these programs for the youth," she said.
