July 27, 2018

Loyola Community,

The Chicago Police Department notified Campus Safety overnight of two shooting victims at Presence Saint Francis Hospital who may have been shot in the area near Lake Shore Campus. These individuals are unaffiliated with Loyola. The location of the shooting was discovered after daylight at the corner of West Albion and North Winthrop avenues.

While Chicago police are in the preliminary stages of this investigation and uncertain of any connection between the incidents at this time, it is the second shooting in two nights after a man was shot on the 1200 block of West Albion Avenue the night before. In both cases, none of the victims were affiliated with the University.

Campus Safety is working closely with the Chicago Police Department on the investigation. If anyone has information on the incident, please call Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE or the Chicago Police Department via 9-1-1 or 312.744.8263. The Chicago Police Department also continues to investigate leads related to other recent violent incidents in the district, and any new updates will be posted to the 24th District Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) and CLEARMAP websites. 

Please also keep the following risk-reduction tips in mind:

• Always stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings. Refrain from using headphones or talking on the phone, as this minimizes your ability to hear an approaching threat.
• Be wary of unsolicited strangers. If someone approaches you on the street, keep moving and try to avoid additional contact. If possible, cross the street or change your direction.
• If you see something you believe to be suspicious, immediately contact Campus Safety or the Chicago Police Department.
• Investigative follow-up will be dependent on the amount of detail a person can recall. It is important to remember as many identifying characteristics about the offender(s) as possible. This can include the license plates of any involved vehicles, physical characteristics of the person, their clothing, any weapons used, direction of flight, etc.
• If you see something you believe to be suspicious or need to report a crime, immediately notify Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE or the Chicago Police Department via 9-1-1 or 312.744.8263.

Campus Safety recognizes that survivors are not at fault for any crime. Students who are seeking resources related to acts of violence can contact the Wellness Center at 773.508.2530 or visit the Community Coalition on Gender-Based Violence website. Faculty and staff in need of resources are encouraged to utilize the University’s Employee Assistance Program.

Sincerely,

Thomas K. Murray
Director of Campus Safety and Chief of Police