CHICAGO, Ill — A fatal shooting outside a popular South Side eatery has left a 44-year-old man dead, prompting grief in the neighborhood and an active investigation by the Chicago Police Department.
Shooting Near Joji Gyros
Authorities said the incident happened at approximately 1:07 p.m. Tuesday in the 2500 block of East 79th Street, directly in front of Joji Gyros, a well-known restaurant in the area.
The victim, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, was standing on the sidewalk when three unidentified male suspects approached. According to investigators, at least one of the suspects pulled out a firearm and fired several shots, striking the man multiple times.
Emergency Response
Witnesses quickly called 911, and officers from the Chicago Police Department, along with emergency personnel, rushed to the scene. The victim was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Police said the suspects fled the area immediately after the shooting. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday evening, and detectives are canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage and witnesses who may have seen the suspects.
Community Shock
The deadly shooting has rattled nearby residents and business owners, many of whom describe the area as a close-knit part of Chicago’s South Side. Some community members said they often visited Joji Gyros with family and friends, making the crime particularly unsettling.
“This is a place where people come to grab food and see neighbors. To have someone lose their life right outside—it’s devastating,” said one resident who declined to be named.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not released details about a possible motive, but investigators believe the victim was the intended target. Detectives from the Area Two Bureau of Detectives are leading the investigation and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted in a briefing earlier this week that suspects involved in public shootings should always be considered armed and dangerous, and Chicago officials echoed that warning Tuesday, urging vigilance.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Chicago Police Department or submit anonymous tips through CPD’s tip line.
Call for Safety
City leaders and anti-violence advocates stressed that this shooting is another reminder of the urgent need for continued community safety efforts. Outreach groups are expected to host a candlelight vigil later this week in honor of the victim.
“This tragedy is heartbreaking,” said a local community organizer. “We cannot let violence define our streets. We have to stand together.”
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