THE NUMBER OF CHICAGO AREA EXPRESSWAY SHOOTINGS DOWN FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2024

CHICAGO – For the third year, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting a decrease in the number of shootings on Chicago area expressways. ​ At the midway mark for 2024, ISP is reporting a 36% decrease in the total number of Chicago area expressway shootings compared to this time last year. ​ When compared to 2021, we’ve seen a 65% reduction in shootings. ​ The number of non-fatal injury expressway shooting in the Chicago area is down 47% compared to this time in 2023.

“Year after year, we have seen a decrease in the number of Chicago area expressway shootings,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. ​ “This year’s reduction, on top of the decreases we’ve seen over the last two years, shows our tactics to reduce violence on the expressway are having an effect. ​ ISP will continue to dedicate the resources needed to help keep the public safe.”

ISP Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) Unit North and Troop 3 Chicago Patrol statistics for January 1–June 30.

After the number of expressway shootings reached an all-time high in 2021, ISP implemented a multifaceted approach to reducing expressway shooting, including increased patrols, the creation of Special Operation Groups focused on strategic violent crime reduction missions, the use of automated license plate readers, increased Air Operations, intensive investigations, and enhanced forensic services.

Part of stopping crime includes solving crime and ISP Division of Criminal Investigation special agents aggressively pursue all leads in expressway shootings. ​ In one instance, special agents began an investigation following an expressway shooting stemming from a road rage incident in early June. ​ Agents conducted numerous interviews and reviewed license plate reader photos, which led to the identification of the vehicle and possible suspects. ​ During the investigation, agents obtained several search warrants, conducted surveillance, and collected evidence. ​ Within two days of the shooting, the investigation resulted in one person being charged with two counts of attempted murder, and another being charged with Aggravated Fleeing to Elude and three counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon. ​ This is just one example of the extensive and thorough investigations ISP special agents conduct to get violent criminals off the expressways.

In its ongoing mission to reduce expressway shootings, ISP is faced with several challenges. ​ Victims and witness increasingly are reporting road rage was involved in expressway shootings. ​ ISP’s approach to reducing expressway violence will continue to evolve as we address new challenges and implement successful strategies. ​ ​

###