Police are investigating a carjacking in Lakeview that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man. The incident occurred early Wednesday on the 700 block of West Waveland Avenue, an area known for its residential activity even during late hours.
According to police, two men were sitting inside a parked car when two armed individuals approached them and demanded their vehicle and belongings. The suspects fired shots, striking one of the men in the chest and back. The victim was transported to Advocate Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. A 38-year-old man who was also in the car was not injured.
The gunmen fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. As of Thursday, no arrests had been made and detectives continue to investigate.
Neighbors expressed concern about safety following the incident. Sophia Ilas, who lives nearby, said, “Especially how violent this incident seemed to be, it is really scary when something like this happens so close to home. We try to be smart when we’re out and walking the dog, but my boyfriend is a shift worker and gets home late at night. If anything, it’s a reminder to always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you live.”
Jess Nsubuga, another resident living two blocks away from the shooting site, said: “I feel relatively safe where I live. I usually hear about these things from other people and word of mouth, and sometimes I can feel like I’m living in a bubble, but I try my best to stay safe at night, take Ubers to the bars and back home, things like that.”
Jillian Eichel-Dobray has lived in Lakeview since 2021. She noted that such incidents reinforce her household’s precautions: “We try not to go out and walk around past 10 p.m.” She added that concerns about crime have led her family to avoid parking on the street whenever possible: “Our building has a parking garage, and my husband will sometimes want to park on the street, and I try to avoid that at all costs, in part because of the risks.”
Charlie’s Chicago bar is located across from where the shooting happened. Luna, a manager at Charlie’s who did not provide his last name for security reasons, described changes implemented due to increased late-night crime: “We always tell our staff, our delivery drivers and the people closing up to use the buddy system. Once the sun goes down, we tell our employees to be careful late at night, and we as a staff have to keep an eye on any suspicious activity.”
Alderman Angela Clay (46th) addressed community concerns by stating: “Our hearts are with the families and loved ones affected by this violence. Community safety remains a top priority, and we will continue working closely with law enforcement to keep neighbors informed and supported.”
Authorities have linked this stolen vehicle with another fatal shooting that occurred about an hour later in Bronzeville—roughly 12 miles away—according to reports from the Chicago Sun-Times. Police responding to a call on South Lake Park Avenue found another man shot dead near an abandoned vehicle identified as being taken during the Lakeview carjacking.
Detectives are investigating both homicides; neither victim has been publicly named by officials yet.
Police urge anyone with information regarding these cases to come forward or submit tips anonymously.
