Chicago police superintendent says the city had 'another unacceptable violent weekend'

Over the weekend in Chicago, 58 people were shot and 6 have died.

ByDominick Proto
August 20, 2018, 3:29 PM

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told reporters on Monday the city had “another unacceptable violent weekend” that led to several people shot and killed.

There were 58 people shot over the weekend in the city, six of which died from their injuries, police said.

PHOTO: Police work the scene where two people were shot near the intersection of North Eldridge Avenue and North Drake Avenue, Aug. 19, 2018 in Chicago, Ill.
Police work the scene where two people were shot near the intersection of North Eldridge Avenue and North Drake Avenue, Aug. 19, 2018 in Chicago, Ill.
Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune via Newscom

The department has three persons of interest in custody from this weekend, Johnson announced in the press conference. Since Friday, he said, 83 illegal guns were taken off the streets and 29 people were arrested on gun related charges.

Police officers dispersed 68 informal block parties and park gatherings that may have had drugs and illegal activity, Johnson said.

“These shootings are not random, they’re fueled by gang conflicts,” Johnson told reporters.

PHOTO: A Chicago police officer attempts to comfort the relative of a fatal gunshot victim as she grieves in the 4700 block of West Jackson Boulevard, Sept. 29, 2017. A 40-year-old man was found fatally shot on the sidewalk, according to police.
A Chicago police officer attempts to comfort the relative of a fatal gunshot victim as she grieves in the 4700 block of West Jackson Boulevard, Sept. 29, 2017. A 40-year-old man was found fatally shot on the sidewalk, according to police.
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune via Getty Images

Police are increasing their presence in the districts that see the higher crime rates.

Two teens who had been reported missing were found shot in a wooded area over the weekend, First Deputy Superintendent Anthony Riccio said.

The teens, 16-year-old Raysuan Turner and 17-year-old Darnelle Flowers, according to ABC affiliate WLS, had been reported missing by their mothers. One of the teens had been reported missing after 24 hours, while the other was reported missing after 48 hours.

PHOTO: Evidence markers sit on the ground at the scene where a boy was killed after being shot in the abdomen while riding his bike in Chicago, Ill, Aug.5, 2018.
Evidence markers sit on the ground at the scene where a boy was killed after being shot in the abdomen while riding his bike in Chicago, Ill, Aug.5, 2018.
Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune via AP

Riccio said an officer was with the mother of one of the teens when she received an anonymous message saying they believed she could find her son in a wooded area. When the officer went with the mother and family members, both teens were found dead.

Police said one of the teens had no criminal history, while the other was known to police, Riccio said. He added they are speaking to two persons of interest to help determine the motive.

PHOTO: Chicago Police officers investigate a crime scene where a man was shot in the arm, August 12, 2018. According to statistics Chicago has more victims shootings and stabbings than both New York City and Los Angeles together.
Chicago Police officers investigate a crime scene where a man was shot in the arm, August 12, 2018. According to statistics Chicago has more victims shootings and stabbings than both New York City and Los Angeles together.
Joshua Lott/EPA via Shutterstock

Johnson reiterated the importance of everyone doing their part to combat gun violence.

“We continuously fail to hold people accountable and until we do that we’re gonna continue seeing it,” he said. “These individuals are showing us every day they’re not afraid to do it, and we have to ask ourselves: 'Why? Why aren’t they afraid?'”

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