CHICAGO — A man’s report of being shot in a robbery on the Near North Side is now under scrutiny after surveillance video failed to support his story, according to 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins.
The incident began around 4:55 p.m. Tuesday, when a 37-year-old man who uses a wheelchair called 911 claiming he was shot in the left leg while near the intersection of Division and Clark Streets.
He told officers he was the victim of a robbery and didn’t know who shot him.
Alderman Suggests Self-Inflicted Wound
But Alderman Hopkins sent an email to local residents Tuesday morning casting serious doubt on the man’s claims. According to Hopkins, surveillance footage from the area showed no signs of a robbery or shooting at the time the man reported.
“Video cameras show that no such incident took place at the time in question,” Hopkins wrote. “Investigators are looking into reports that suggest the victim suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to his leg.”
No 911 Calls for Gunfire in the Area
Hopkins also noted that there were no 911 calls for shots fired, and police patrols in the area did not report hearing any gunfire.
The man had called 911 while near Dearborn and Oak Streets, which caused Washington Square Park to be mistakenly associated with the event — despite no evidence of a shooting there.
Investigation Still Ongoing
The incident occurred on Monday, July 14, and is still under investigation by the Chicago Police Department. The alderman’s office emphasized that no official conclusions have been made, but the early findings suggest the possibility of a false report or mishandled firearm.
Should more charges be filed when false shooting reports are made? Let us know what you think in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
