Here is an article about a kid who recently died in a drive by in our neighborhood. Gives a good picture of what it is like here. They say in the article that crime is decreasing... but this article is the first I've heard of that. I pray that it is true..

Here's the article: Chicago Tribune news : Chicago

Here is an excerpt:

Chicago police spokesman Carlos Herrera said Fitzpatrick was walking in the 1900 block of West 52nd Street at 10:50 p.m. Sunday when a person in a dark full-sized van pulled up next to him and fired several shots from the driver's side.

Police had no one in custody Monday night.

Fitzpatrick said her brother, who loved math and hoped to be an auto mechanic, was not involved with gangs. He and friends, however, had argued with gang members two months ago, she said.

The shooting shocked neighbors who had started to relax as violent crimes in Back of the Yards have plummeted in recent years.

"Yeah, that's scary," said Cory Washington, 17, who lives in the neighborhood.

"It's usual for here, but it's unusual for the last three years. The gangbangers are slowing down."

Washington said he remembers a time when there were gunshots every night, but he and his friends were surprised to hear the sound return.

posted by Chaddo 7/19/2005 03:28:00 PM