Three Injured in Early-Morning Shooting in West Chatham, Chicago

Three Injured in Early-Morning Shooting in West Chatham, Chicago

Overnight Gunfire in West Chatham Leaves Three Injured

Chicago police are investigating an early-morning shooting in the West Chatham neighborhood that left three people injured inside a vehicle, authorities confirmed Saturday, December 20, 2025. The incident occurred just before 12:30 a.m. in the 8100 block of South Stewart Avenue, where officers say an unknown shooter opened fire on a moving car, striking its occupants.

Police and emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting was reported. All three victims were able to get out of the vehicle and seek help. Each was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds. Law enforcement officials described the victims’ injuries as non–life-threatening and listed all three in fair condition as of early Saturday morning.

Victim Information and Injuries

According to preliminary information released by Chicago police, the three victims included a 25-year-old man and two women, ages 26 and 21. The man sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and hand, while one of the women was grazed in the abdomen and arm. The youngest victim, 21, suffered a graze wound to the back of her head from shrapnel or a bullet fragment, authorities said.

Investigators have not released the names of the victims or information on their current condition beyond their medical status. Police said all three transported themselves or were driven to University of Chicago Medical Center for care, where they received treatment for their injuries.

Police Investigation and Suspect Search

The Chicago Police Department’s Area South detectives are handling the investigation. Officers canvassed the neighborhood in the hours after the shooting, speaking with potential witnesses and reviewing nearby surveillance footage in an effort to identify the suspect or suspects responsible.

Police confirmed that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived and had not been apprehended as of the latest update. Investigators are asking anyone with information — including residents who may have seen suspicious activity or heard gunshots around the time of the incident — to contact Chicago police or submit tips to Crime Stoppers. No motive had been released by law enforcement.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

Neighbors in the West Chatham area expressed shock over the overnight shooting, saying gun violence continues to affect families and commuters in the South Side community. Residents told local media they were shaken to learn that multiple people were shot at such a late hour and urged for increased patrols and quicker police response times to prevent future incidents.

Local community leaders issued statements underscoring the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement, emphasizing that even small details can be crucial in solving violent crimes. They also reiterated that Chicago police have resources available for residents who want to assist in the investigation or seek support following such events.

Broader Context of Chicago Gun Violence

The West Chatham shooting is one of several recent incidents contributing to ongoing concerns about gun violence in Chicago’s neighborhoods. Police data and local news reports show multiple shootings across the city during holiday weekends and beyond, prompting law enforcement and city officials to expand violence prevention programs and community engagement efforts.

Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information linked to this or other shootings to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers or provided directly to the Chicago Police Department’s Area South unit, which is leading the West Chatham investigation.