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Three gunmen opened fire on an SUV Tuesday afternoon in the 2300 block of West Roosevelt Road.
The shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. outside a White Castle restaurant.
Three men were sitting inside the vehicle when the attackers approached on foot.
The gunmen unleashed a hail of bullets directly into the SUV.
During the violent encounter, the vehicle caught fire.
First responders found two men dead inside the burning vehicle.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified one victim as 48-year-old Lydell Harton.
A 35-year-old man was also killed, though his identity has not yet been released.
A third victim, a 44-year-old man, survived the attack.
He was transported to Stroger Hospital and is reported to be in good condition.
The three suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Chicago Police have not made any arrests as of Wednesday morning.
The investigation caused significant travel delays in the area.
CTA #12 Roosevelt buses were rerouted for several hours between Damen and Western.
Area Three detectives are currently handling the homicide investigation.
Rising Violence on the Near West Side
This double homicide adds to a growing list of violent incidents in the Near West Side neighborhood.
The 2300 block of West Roosevelt Road sits near a busy transit corridor and retail hub.
Residents have expressed increasing concern over daytime shootings in high-traffic commercial areas.
Just months ago, police increased patrols in this district following a string of armed robberies.
The Near West Side has seen a fluctuating crime rate as the city struggles with vehicle-targeted attacks.
Investigators are looking into whether this specific SUV was followed before the shooting began.
Community leaders are calling for more visible police presence at local businesses to deter daylight hits.
This White Castle location is a frequent stop for commuters heading toward the Illinois Medical District.
The brazen nature of a midday shooting at a popular fast-food chain has left neighbors on edge.
Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the restaurant and nearby traffic cameras.
