CHICAGO – This year has been tumultuous for a normally peaceful Far North Side neighborhood.
“I’m furious, and I’m outraged that these crimes are taking place in our ward,” Ald. said. Silverstein, Debra (50th Ward).
There have been four fatal shootings in the West Ridge neighborhood this year compared to one last year.
Anthony Mendoza, 15, was shot and killed in Warren Park on July 5.
Lavell Winslow, 13, was fatally shot in Lerner Park last Friday.
Salim Khamo, 66, was killed while working inside his store on Monday.
Then, on Tuesday, a 20-year-old man was fatally shot when sitting in a car in the 2500 block of West Estes Avenue.
Ald. Debra Silverstein says she plans to lobby city hall for more police resources this week.
“This is normally a quiet neighborhood, and we’re going to get back to being quiet,” Silverstein explained.
West Ridge Elementary is in pain after two students were killed by guns this school year.
This week, Halle Quezada and her West Ridge Community Response Team provide comfort items to students at West Ridge Elementary.
In addition, they offer youth programs and food pantries.
Quezada has spent the summer working with teens, asking them what they want in the area to help keep them out of trouble.
They’ve requested bicycles and a community garden.
