CHICAGO — A man is in custody after fatally shooting a 46-year-old driver in broad daylight on Chicago’s Near North Side Saturday morning, then leading police on a chase that ended in a crash in the Loop.
Victim Shot While Sitting in SUV
The incident occurred just before 9:50 a.m. in the 800 block of North Cambridge Avenue, where the victim was sitting inside a Chevy Suburban. According to police, a man approached the SUV on foot and opened fire without warning, striking the driver multiple times in the back.
Police officers stationed nearby initially believed the loud pops were fireworks, until the wounded man drove up to them for help. Despite their immediate response, the 46-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene, according to CWBChicago.
Suspect Tracked Using Cameras and License Readers
While scanning the area, officers spotted a man limping away with a cane. Surveillance video and license plate reader technology later revealed the suspect had fled the scene in an Audi Q7.
Police tracked the SUV into downtown Chicago, where the vehicle crashed into several cars near Michigan Avenue and East Wacker Drive at approximately 10:17 a.m. Officers took the suspect into custody shortly after the collision. A firearm was recovered from the disabled vehicle.
Near North Side Gun Violence on the Rise
This fatal shooting marks the 33rd person shot on the Near North Side so far in 2025. The area has seen a sharp increase in gun violence compared to previous years:
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2025: 33 shootings
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2024: 15
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2023: 14
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2022: 38
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2021: 18
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2020: 15
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2019: 21
The most recent spike includes a mass shooting on July 4 weekend, where 18 people were injured in a drive-by outside Artis Lounge, located at 311 West Chicago Avenue — just blocks away from Saturday’s homicide.
Further details on that event were also published by CWBChicago, revealing issues with the lounge’s operations and city compliance.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the suspect has not yet been publicly identified, and charges are pending. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and ballistic evidence as they build their case.
This homicide highlights growing concerns over violent crime in areas once considered safer parts of the city, particularly as shootings in affluent neighborhoods like the Near North Side continue to rise.
Have You Seen Trouble In Your Neighborhood?
Do you live near Chicago’s Near North Side and have concerns about the recent violence? Share your experience or safety tips in the comments below — your voice matters at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
