CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chaos erupted in downtown Chicago early Monday morning, with reports of looting and property damage, as well as shots fired at and by police.
The unrest began around 12:20 a.m. Monday, when police were called to reports of a mob scene on Michigan Avenue. Videos posted to social media showed large crowds breaking windows and entering stores along the Magnificent Mile.
More video from looting that was happening overnight downtown. This was from outside Macy’s and the horns you hear are not from the traffic backup. It was apparently to warn looters the police were coming. Minutes later, police were there. @WBBMNewsradio #looting #Chicago pic.twitter.com/OSxVDSkh5U
— Bernie Tafoya (@BernieTafoya) August 10, 2020
Just before 5 a.m., Chicago police confirmed an officer did exchange gunfire with a suspect early Monday morning near Michigan Avenue and Lake Street. According to CPD spokesperson Tom Ahern, someone fired shots at responding officers and police returned fire.
According to CPD spokesperson Tom Ahern, someone fired shots at responding officers and police returned fire.
No officers were injured and it was not immediately clear whether anyone was hit, Ahern said in a tweet.
Police involved shooting Michigan and Lake. Shots fired at police who returned fire. No officers injured. Unknown at this time if offenders were shot. #ChicagoPolice pic.twitter.com/scVQVmT7YG
— Tom Ahern (@TomAhernCPD) August 10, 2020
According to Chicago Fire Department officials, a security guard was wounded in a shooting shortly before 4 a.m. in the 400 block of North Clark Street. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Officials also said a second man was shot at about 2 a.m. near Madison and Wabash. He was also taken to Northwestern in critical condition.
The CTA suspended all bus and train service downtown "at the request of public safety officials," the transit agency said in a tweet. No buses or trains will run in the area bordered by Fullerton and Ashland avenues and Cermak Road.
[Service Disruption] CTA train/bus service to downtown area is temp suspended at request of public safety officials. No service btwn Fullerton, Cermak and Ashland.
— cta (@cta) August 10, 2020
Chicago police have yet to issue any formal statement about the incident, but Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown and Mayor Lori Lightfoot are scheduled to discuss overnight crime in the downtown area at a news conference at 8 a.m. You can listen live to both news conferences on WBBM Newsradio.
Many businesses in the downtown area had just reopened weeks after several stores and buildings were looted and vandalized following the unrest after the protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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