From the 23rd District Community Policing:

Dear 23rd District residents and business owners,

In response to several incidents that have occurred in the Uptown neighborhood, we are having a Positive Loitering and Outdoor Roll call on Saturday, Sept 15 at 10:30 am at the corner of Hazel and Wilson.

The following incidents have occurred:

On 6 Sep 2007, a homicide occurred at 0455hrs on the 4500 N block of Hazel. A man who appeared to be homeless was shot in the head. Two male blacks fled southbound on Hazel west on Windsor.

On 7 Sep 2007, a homicide occurred at 0134hrs on the 4600 N. block of Clifton. An altercation occurred between two parties resulting in a man being shot.

On 10 Sep 2007, a homicide occurred at 0440hrs on the 4500 N block of Hazel an off-duty police officer on viewed the incident and observed the offender exit a suburban cab, walk up to the individual and shot him. The offender returned to the cab where he was followed north on Hazel east on Wilson south on Lake Shore Drive and eluded the police.

In all these incidents, detectives have been assigned for follow-up investigation and these incidents do not appear to be related at this time.

We have deployed additional resources in these areas to help prevent further acts of violence. We have and will continue to conduct safety meetings in the Uptown neighborhood. Due to one of our safety meetings, Wilson Care has begun installing flood lighting and video surveillance capabilities. Other businesses should consider the same.

We are asking any community members with information to please contact the police at 312-744-8261. In addition, we ask our business owners to become part of our Safe Haven program. Any interested business owner can contact community policing or come to community policing office between 9-6 to fill out the paperwork.

Please come and help your neighbors with positive loitering on Saturday.

023rd District Community Policing

Alderman Shiller is working closely with the Police Department to end the recent violence that has occurred. She and Police Commander Yamashiroya are in constant communication throughout the day and night. The police have enlisted additional patrols for the area, and the Commander is working diligently on apprehending the criminals involved.

Everyone is very concerned with this violence, and our office feels the best way to help is to support the Police Department in every way we can. If there is suspect information, community alerts, or any information that the Police Department feels needs to be disseminated, we will certainly keep you posted.