In the early hours of Sunday, August 4, 2024, an argument outside Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp in Chicago’s Armour Square neighborhood turned violent, resulting in a fatal shooting. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. and left one man dead and three others injured, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The dispute began as a verbal altercation between two groups of men and escalated into a physical confrontation. The gunfire that ensued claimed the life of a 39-year-old man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been identified as Joseph Garcia.
A 27-year-old man sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition after admitting himself to a nearby hospital. A 34-year-old man with gunshot wounds to his leg was transported to a hospital where he is reported to be in fair condition. A 21-year-old man, who was shot in the left calf, independently reached a hospital and is in good condition.
Chicago police were quick to respond, securing the area and extending the crime scene to adjacent properties as shell casings were found scattered across the parking lot.
Witnesses described the suspect as a Hispanic male in his late teens or early twenties with a shaggy haircut, who fled the scene with a female companion in a white SUV.
The investigation is being led by Area One detectives. As of now, no arrests have been made.
One bystander, who claimed to be a friend of the deceased and had been present earlier with his teenage children, witnessed the tragic events unfold.
Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp, located at 2120 South Canal Street, has been a staple in the community since 1950, known for its fried seafood. Despite the violent incident, the restaurant remained open, serving customers as usual.
Later in another incident, in the early hours of the morning around 5 a.m., five men arrived independently at the University of Chicago Medical Center seeking treatment for gunshot injuries. The shooting reportedly occurred in Washington Park, in the 5100 block of South Calumet Avenue.
The victims, ranging in age from 24 to 32, sustained various injuries. One man, aged 25, had wounds to his lower extremities, while a 24-year-old was shot in the back. A 32-year-old man suffered a grazing wound to his right arm. Two 26-year-old men were also among the injured, with one shot in the chin and the other in the thumb.
Law enforcement officials noted that the five men were reluctant to provide information about the incident. The investigation into this shooting, as well as the earlier incident, was being handled by Area 1 detectives, who were working to uncover the details surrounding both events.
Chicago has faced ongoing issues with gun violence, and these shootings add to a troubling trend in the city. The police continue to investigate, seeking to bring those responsible to justice and provide answers to the grieving family and community.