By Clara Wilson
A violent afternoon attack on Chicago‘s Near West Side has left two men dead and another wounded. The Near West Side shooting took place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Three men were sitting in a vehicle when they were targeted by gunfire. During the assault, the victims’ vehicle caught fire in a busy restaurant parking lot. This brazen daytime crime occurred on the 2300 block of West Roosevelt Road. Police and fire crews rushed to the scene around 1:20 p.m. to manage the chaos. Two victims died shortly after the encounter began. A third victim remains in stable condition at a local trauma center. Investigators are currently searching for three suspects who fled on foot.
Daytime Attack Leaves Two Deceased on Roosevelt Road
The incident began in the parking lot of a White Castle restaurant. Three men were inside a Lincoln SUV when the attackers approached. According to witnesses, the gunfire was sudden and intense. A 35-year-old man was struck multiple times by the incoming rounds. Officers arrived to find him unresponsive near the vehicle. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released to the public.
A second victim also sustained critical injuries during the ambush. The 48-year-old man was shot in the chest while inside the SUV. Emergency responders transported him to Mount Sinai Hospital for surgery. Unfortunately, he passed away a short time later. A 44-year-old man was the only individual to survive the attack. He suffered a gunshot wound to the back and was taken to Stroger Hospital. Doctors report that he is currently in good condition. The survivors’ testimony will be crucial for the ongoing criminal investigation.
Vehicle Fire Erupts Amidst Near West Side Shooting
The scene was further complicated by a dangerous fire. As the gunfire rang out, the victims’ Lincoln SUV ignited. Thick smoke filled the air near the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Western Avenue. The Chicago Fire Department arrived quickly to extinguish the flames. It is still unclear if the fire was caused directly by the bullets. Investigators are looking into whether a fuel line was hit during the Near West Side shooting. The fire caused significant damage to the vehicle and the surrounding pavement.
Firefighters had to work carefully to avoid disturbing potential evidence. Once the flames were out, police were able to inspect the interior of the SUV. The charred remains of the vehicle are now being processed by forensic technicians. They are looking for any physical evidence that might have survived the heat. This includes DNA samples or personal items belonging to the suspects. The burnt-out SUV remained a central part of the crime scene for several hours. This unique factor made the initial investigation much more difficult for first responders.
Detectives Recover Dozens of Shell Casings at Scene
Forensic investigators spent the afternoon documenting a massive amount of evidence. They recovered at least 40 shell casings from the parking lot. The high volume of casings suggests that multiple weapons were used. It also indicates a high level of coordination among the shooters. Each casing was marked with a yellow evidence flag for mapping. This data helps detectives determine the exact location of each shooter. Ballistic testing will determine if these weapons are linked to other recent crimes.
The large number of shots fired caused panic among nearby shoppers and workers. Many people were eating lunch or running errands when the violence started. Police are currently canvassing the area for additional physical evidence. They are also looking for any bullets that may have struck nearby buildings. Fortunately, no bystanders were injured during the heavy exchange of gunfire. The 40 shell casings represent a significant lead for Area Three detectives. They are working to track the origin of the ammunition found at the scene.
UIC Security Alert Issued Following Neighborhood Violence
The shooting occurred very close to the University of Illinois Chicago campus. Consequently, university officials issued an immediate security alert to students. The notification advised everyone to avoid the Roosevelt Road corridor. The heavy police presence caused significant traffic delays throughout the afternoon. Many students use the local businesses in this area for meals and supplies. The university remains on high alert as the suspects are still at large. Campus police are providing extra patrols to ensure the safety of the student body.
Furthermore, another shooting was reported at a UIC parking garage around the same time. Authorities are currently investigating if there is a connection between these two events. Having two fatal incidents so close together has raised serious concerns. The university is cooperating fully with the Chicago Police Department. They are providing access to campus security footage that may have captured the suspects. For now, students are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The safety of the academic community is a top priority for local leaders.
Ongoing Search for Three Armed Suspects in Chicago
Chicago Police are searching for three men believed to be responsible for the attack. Witnesses described the suspects approaching the vehicle on foot before opening fire. After the shooting, they were seen fleeing the area in an unknown direction. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday evening. Detectives are reviewing high-definition footage from the White Castle security system. They are also checking city POD cameras located along the Roosevelt Road transit route.
The motive for the Near West Side shooting remains under investigation. Police have not yet determined if the victims were specifically targeted. However, the nature of the ambush suggests a planned attack. Detectives are looking into the backgrounds of all three victims for potential leads. They are also asking for any dashcam footage from drivers who were on Roosevelt Road. Every piece of digital evidence is being carefully analyzed. The Chicago Police Department urges anyone with information to contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at CPDtip.com.
