Ruthless Chicago gangs wreaking havoc on city

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - The brutal death of Tyshawn Lee shows just how ruthless Chicago gangs can be in seeking revenge.

Already this year, 90 people have been shot and killed with another 400 wounded.

On Tuesday alone, at least 10 people were shot across the city and at least one of those, police say, involves the rival gangs mentioned today by State's Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Shots rang out Tuesday night in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood where two men were struck near a gas station at 79th and Ashland. A police source confirms that those involved were the two gangs mentioned earlier in the day in connection to Tyshawn Lee's brutal murder.

Authorities say the two groups have a longstanding feud that resulted in the death of Tyshawn Lee.

“We are not letting up on those two gangs that are ultimately responsible for the death of Tyshawn Lee,” said Interim Police Superintendent John Escalante. “They’re going to see us out there, they're gonna feel our presence out there, and the community will see us out there.”

A community that Father Michael Pfleger says is nervous about this year and the recent spike in violence.

“I can't tell you how many parents I’ve talked to are trying to get their sons not to come home from college, trying to send their younger children downs south with family members and relatives, and other people talking about trying to get out of the city,” Pfleger said.

Chicago Crisis Responder Andrew Holmes says he hopes these gang members start thinking before they shoot.

“If anyone is encouraging you to retaliate on anybody, just be a man and walk away from it,” Holmes said.

He says Chicago residents shouldn't have to live like this.

“People are afraid to put their 2 or 3-year-old out on the streets to play without looking, and somebody in charge of their weapon and then there’s a bullet in that child's heart and head you got a baby laying their, don't know what hit him,” Holmes added.

In the shooting at 79th and Ashland, the two men were transported to area hospitals. One was shot in the arm and the other in the hip.