by Chicago, Illinois — Authorities are investigating two deadly incidents that unfolded Tuesday afternoon near the University of Illinois Chicago campus, after a person was found dead inside a campus parking garage while a separate nearby shooting left two men dead and another injured.
Police said there is no ongoing threat to the university, but the close timing and proximity of the incidents prompted a large law enforcement response and campus alerts.
Death investigation underway on UIC campus
The University of Illinois Chicago confirmed that police activity was underway in the 1100 block of South Wood Street, near the Wood Street Parking Structure, shortly after 2:30 p.m.
The Chicago Fire Department confirmed that one person was found dead inside the parking garage. Authorities did not immediately release details about the individual’s identity or cause of death.
University officials said there was no active threat to campus, but urged students and staff to follow instructions from police
As a precaution, UIC initially advised people off campus to avoid the area while officers conducted their investigation.
Two men killed in nearby shooting
Roughly one mile from campus, Chicago police were also responding to a deadly shooting near a White Castle restaurant in the 2300 block of West Roosevelt Road.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers were called to the scene around 1:20 p.m. after reports of gunfire.
Investigators said three people were shot while sitting inside an SUV.
- A 35-year-old man suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene
- A 48-year-old man was shot in the chest and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital
- A 44-year-old man was shot in the back and is listed in good condition
Read Also: Driver Killed After Car Plunges Into Canal in Southwest Miami-Dade, Two Passengers Critically Hurt
Vehicle caught fire after shooting
Police said the SUV burst into flames following the shooting. Fire crews later extinguished the blaze, leaving the vehicle heavily charred and severely damaged.
Video shared on social media showed a heavy police presence, along with fire engines and ambulances, surrounding the restaurant as crime scene tape cordoned off part of the area.
Authorities said the suspects fled the scene on foot and have not yet been identified
The shooting occurred in broad daylight, with surveillance cameras nearby and witnesses reportedly present inside the restaurant.
Connection between incidents unclear
As of Tuesday evening, officials said it was not immediately clear whether the parking garage death and the nearby shooting were connected.
Both scenes remained under investigation as detectives worked to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses.
Reward offered for information
Cook County Crime Stoppers announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the Roosevelt Road shooting.
“Someone had to know something,” said Paul Rutherford of Crime Stoppers.
“We’re out here trying to get information and get the person responsible off the street.”
Police are urging anyone with information, video footage, or tips related to either incident to contact investigators.
Community on edge as investigations continue
The twin incidents rattled the surrounding neighborhood and the UIC community, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety near busy commercial corridors and campuses.
Officials said additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Do you think increased patrols or surveillance could help prevent daytime violence in busy areas like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
