CHICAGO — A 36-year-old man was shot in the arm after a physical altercation escalated near Lou Malnati’s in River North Friday evening, prompting a police response and concern from residents and diners in the area.
Altercation Escalates on North Wells Street
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on the 400 block of North Wells Street, a busy stretch frequented by locals and tourists. Police say the victim was engaged in a physical fight with another man when the other individual pulled out a gun and fired, striking him in the left arm.
The wounded man managed to flee the scene and made his way to Northwestern Hospital, where he is listed in good condition. As of Saturday, no arrests had been made, and the motive behind the fight remains unclear.
Eyewitnesses Recount Shocking Scene
Jacob Raphaeli, a bystander who witnessed the shooting, described the encounter to ABC7 Chicago, saying, “One guy got into someone’s face. The other guy pulled out a gun, and the gun was fired. And we saw the whole thing happen. The victim ran. The other guy walked away.”
The violence spilled into Lou Malnati’s, a popular pizzeria, where patrons were stunned by the sudden chaos. Andrew Kim, who was dining with his family, said the shooting occurred just minutes into their meal. “My nieces and nephews are visiting from Texas. We were sitting and eating a peaceful meal. And a few minutes into it, there was a loud pop,” Kim told ABC7.
Restaurant staff acted quickly to assist the victim and calm patrons. Brendan Treacy, another diner, praised the employees, saying, “They definitely did all they could to help him out.”
Public Safety Concerns Rise in River North
The shooting occurred on the first official day of summer, casting a shadow over the typically vibrant area known for its restaurants and nightlife. Police taped off the crime scene while investigators spoke to witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage.
“It’s just such a shame that stuff like this is happening in River North,” Raphaeli said, expressing frustration and concern. “I love this city. It’s such a beautiful, amazing city, and I don’t want to see it like this.”
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident and have asked anyone with information or video footage to come forward.
Do you live or work near River North? Have recent incidents made you feel less safe in the area? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
