Two Women Shot in Armed Robbery in Chicago’s West Loop

CHICAGO, Illinois — Two women were shot early Saturday morning after an armed robbery in the West Loop, police said.

The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. at Randolph and Jefferson streets. According to Chicago Police, the victims, ages 21 and 33, were standing on the sidewalk when a man exited a white SUV, demanded their property, took a purse from one of the women, and then opened fire.

The 21-year-old was shot in the knee and transported to Northwestern Hospital. The 33-year-old suffered a graze wound to the hip and was taken to Rush Hospital. Both women are expected to recover.

Police radio traffic described the suspect as a male Hispanic in a white Kia Sorento. Witnesses reported that the white Kia appeared to be chasing a man before the shots were fired. The vehicle then fled westbound on Randolph with multiple people inside.

A large police presence responded to the scene, including officers who searched the area with a K9 unit and marked evidence in the street. Investigators were reviewing surveillance video from the area and gathering accounts from multiple witnesses.

Good Samaritans who rushed to assist one of the victims described hearing shots and seeing people running. One man said he and others applied a tourniquet to help the injured woman before paramedics arrived.

Chicago Police continue to search for the shooter and the white Kia Sorento involved in the incident.