Nine shootings downtown so far this year

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - Gunfire outside a South Loop daycare center today is another sign of increasing violence downtown. DNA Info Chicago reports there have been nine shootings in Downtown Chicago so far in 2016, compared to 11 in all of last year.

Tuesday's shooting happened at 20th and Michigan, outside the Loop Learning Childcare Center. Witnesses said a couple of "gangbangers" fired off 25 shots. A maintenance worker at the daycare said there were 100 children inside the building at the time, and that the kids have been trained to take cover if violence erupts.

"Doesn't surprise me at all. No value for life right now. Just no value," said maintenance worker Rory Wallington.

Police said two men are in custody for questioning and a gun was recovered at the scene. Nobody was injured. At least one bullet hit a postal service minivan. Six blocks away,  at Old St. Mary's School, the shooting prompted officials to keep children indoors for a short while. 

Residents in the South Loop have mixed views on whether Tuesday's shooting  reflects a new, more dangerous downtown Chicago.

"It really makes you fear for walking around in downtown Chicago. Anywhere around Chicago, really," said Danielle Doyal.

Others disagreed.

"I've lived here two years now and I've never encountered anything violent or troublesome," said resident Mike Tubb.