Updated: Media Can't Get It Right On Chicago's Uptown Shooting on June 28

JJ Peppers in Uptown, scene of gunfire on July 28, 2013
(Screenshot from WGN TV video)

June 29, 2013 - UPDATED, 2:00 PM - Chicago media can't seem to get their story straight on yesterday's shooting in Chicago's north side Uptown neighborhood. Is the number of victims five, four or six? Were they all male or were some female? How many people were actually hit by gunfire in Uptown last night? 

The shooting happened by a JJ Peppers store in a strip mall around 7:15 PM on Friday at the intersection of N. Sheridan Road and W. Lawrence Avenue. Initial news reports said that five men were hit by gunfire, four critically wounded and one seriously.

Google search for "shooting uptown peppers wgn"

On WGN TV's 9PM newscast on Friday, however, Gaynor Hall reported from the shooting scene that police had amended the number of wounded down to four, all which were in "good condition."

WGN has since removed Hall's report and edited their story to reflect what other local media are saying: SIX people were wounded, two of which were female.

A Google search for "shooting uptown peppers wgn" finds a link to WGN's story, originally headlined "Four people shot outside Uptown strip mall."

That story today, however, has the edited headline "Six people shot outside Uptown strip mall," but still has this URL: http://wgntv.com/2013/06/29/five-people-shot-on-uptown-street-corner/

NBC5's story, screenshot at 3:00 PM, June 29, 2013

Laughably, NBC5 has a story headline that is non-committal: "Several Wounded in Uptown Shooting." NBC updated their story at 10:30 last night to say that "A police department spokesman said four were injured, adding that they were four males of unknown ages."

That's what Gaynor Hall reported for WGN. NBC has apparently not felt it necessary to update their story.

Some of the blame for this confusion should probably go the the Chicago Police Department for giving out bad information to the media.

Previous Reports, Friday, June 28:

UPDATED 10: 30 PM - Four  men were hit by gunfire this evening around 7:15 PM in the Uptown neighborhood on the city's north side.

NBC5 tweet from June 28, 2013: "5 wounded, 4 critically"

WGN TV is reporting late tonight that the Chicago Police say the number of those hit was actually four. WGN quotes police officials as saying that all four victims are in good condition at Illinois Masonic and St. Francis hospitals.

The shooting happened in front of the JJ Peppers convenience store in a strip mall at the intersection of N. Sheridan Road and W. Lawrence Avenue. It's a particularly rough part of a very rough neighborhood, just  one block east of the Aragon Entertainment Center.Two people were shot at the same location on June 10. The shooting happened even as a "positive loitering" event was taking place across the street (see below).

NBC5 Chicago reported that "Shots rang out at about 7:15 p.m. in the 4800 block of North Sheridan Road, a fire department spokesperson said. Five ambulances responded to the scene. Four people were critically wounded and one person was in serious condition, the spokesperson said." NBC notes that the story is still developing.

ABC7 Chicago said that all victims are male. "Four people were critically wounded and one person was in serious condition, Fire Media Affairs said. Two males were taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and two males were taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, police News Affairs Officer Daniel O'Brien said."

Uptown Update had a first-hand report, published at 8:50 PM. Their lead story until then, ironically, was about another useless "positive loitering" event from 7-8 pm, at the southwest corner of Lawrence and Sheridan, just inches from a shooting that "positive loitering" is supposed to prevent. The shooting, in front of JJ Peppers, is at the northwest corner of the intersection.

Also See: Uptown's Positive Loiterers: Useless Chicago News Bench

Michael Carroll Interview, Part 5 of 5 (Video)

Michael Carroll is a Chicago police officer who is running for alderman in the 46th Ward (see his campaign website). That encompasses portions of the Uptown neighborhood, where Helen Shiller is not running for re-election (I pronounced her political career as dead in July, 2008). Here is the final installment in our exclusive five-part series. RELATED: First Responders Endorse Michael Carroll CNB Michael Carroll on Facebook Michael Carroll on Twitter

First Responders Endorse Michael Carroll for 46th Ward Alderman

January 26, 2011 - Chicago - With the February 22 aldermanic elections less than a month away, one candidate running in the 46th Ward has received a big endorsement from Chicago's police and firefighters. That candidate, Michael Carroll, is a Chicago police officer. Some of the candidates running in the 46th actually have the dishonesty to claim that they are the only one who understands crime - or wants to do anything about it. Really? Can Molly Phelan, Befekadu Retta or James Cappelman honestly say that they are police officers? Can Phelan or Cappelman honestly say that they know more about police and crime issues than CPD Officer Michael Carroll? The next time Phelan, Retta, Cappelman or any of the other contenders (full list here) claim to know more or care more about fighting crime than any other candidate, ask them how long they served as police officers. Ask them if attending CAPS meetings or even being a judge is the same as doing hazardous duty as an officer in the trenches of Chicago's mean streets. Then look them right in the eye and ask them if they really think they know more about crime and policing than Michael Carroll. Mike Carroll sent this email today, announcing the endorsement: I'm proud to announce that our campaign has been endorsed by all three first responder groups that work to protect our citizens by putting public safety first. The Fraternal Order of Police - Chicago Lodge 7, Chicago Police Sergeants' Association, and Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 have each independently endorsed our campaign. These groups represent more than 20,000 hard-working Chicagoans combined. These endorsements add to the momentum our grassroots campaign is seeing on the streets as we talk and meet with voters across our neighborhoods. You can build upon that momentum today by making a contribution of $50, $100, $250 or any amount that will help support our efforts. We also need volunteers with the campaign, so please sign up to volunteer online or send us an e-mail letting us know if you can help. You can also join us as we spread the word about our latest endorsements and our plans to improve our neighborhoods by calling voters or knocking on doors this weekend on both Saturday from Noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Email us at field@carroll46.com if you are able to give a couple of hours of your time. We will meet at our campaign headquarters at the corner of Sheridan and Leland in Uptown. As Alderman, I will work tirelessly alongside the police and firefighters and be their advocate on the City Council as we work to improve public safety and fight crime here in the 46th Ward and throughout Chicago. This will require us to put more police on the streets and target gangs, guns, and drugs block by block in our neighborhoods. The Fraternal Order of Police agrees. “We are unanimously endorsing Michael Carroll as the best candidate to reduce crime in the 46th Ward,” stated Mark Donahue, president of the FOP. “His proactive plan for fighting crime and over seven years of experience as a Chicago Police Officer make him the right choice for voters” Make your contribution today to help support our campaign to improve the 46th Ward by reducing crime, bringing in new businesses, and improving our schools and infrastructure. Thanks for your support and let's continue the momentum this weekend.

Canvassing and Absentee Ballots in the 46th Ward

Michael Carroll's 46th Ward Aldermanic Campaign is getting ready for its first major canvass of of the new year. They invite you to help out by volunteering for a two or three hour shift on Saturday, January 15. (Also, please consider a making donation to Michael Carroll's campaign, even if it's only $5.00. Every bit helps!) The campaign provides more details about Saturday's canvassing and absentee ballots: The first opportunity to apply for absentee ballots begins Thursday, January 13, so we want to begin reaching voters in the 46th Ward as they decide who their next Alderman will be. We will be making calls at the office and going door-to-door in key neighborhoods to reach voters and let them know about my background and plans to reduce crime, create jobs, and improve our neighborhoods. The canvassing begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 15 at our campaign headquarters (4700 N. Sheridan Rd.) and will last until 4 p.m. If you would like to learn more about the canvassing crew, please contact us at field@carroll46.com or call us at 773-627-1410. Any amount of time that you can give to the campaign is greatly appreciated as we sprint toward Election Day. Please volunteer to help the campaign or request a yard or window sign, you can do so easily by signing up online today. We will have canvassing and call shifts during the week and every weekend through Election Day. This year, you also no longer need an excuse to vote absentee. We have more information on how to sign up for an absentee ballot on our website. While there, you can also find an interactive Ward map and other information on registration and early voting under our new Community section.

Interview Series With Michael Carroll, 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate

Here is Part 1 of 5 of an interview series with Michael Carroll, candidate for alderman in Chicago's troubled 46th Ward (Uptown) and former Chicago police officer. Interviewed by Tom Mannis for Chicago News Bench (www.chicagonewsbench.com) on July 28, 2010. Michael Carroll's campaign website is www.carroll46.com.

Big Week For Michael Carroll Aldermanic Campaign

There are now less than two months until Chicago's next Election Day on February 22, 2011. That's when Chicago will elect a new mayor and more than 20 new aldermen. This is a big week for Michael Carroll's aldermanic campaign. They could use your help in a number of ways, as Michael writes below. Also, please watch Part 1 (of 5) of my video interview with Michael. Our first critical campaign fundraising deadline is Friday, December 31st and we are trying to raise another $2,500 in support of the campaign before the midnight deadline. Your contribution will allow us to reach voters through direct mail, advertising, and neighborhood meet-and-greets. Please make your contribution today to help support our campaign before December 31st. The deadline will be an early indicator of which candidate has broad support across the community and the most resources to win on Election Day. Volunteers Wanted... With only eight weeks left until Election Day, we need volunteers to help power our grassroots campaign. During this time, we will need people to work in the office, canvass door-to-door in key neighborhoods, and make calls to voters in the 46th Ward. If you’d like to join our campaign team, sign up to volunteer for 2 to 3 hours over the next few weeks. Northwestern Bowl Game Watch Party on New Year's Day As an alumnus of Northwestern, I was excited to see our Wildcats make their third consecutive bowl game appearance, sending Coach Fitzgerald and the team to Dallas to take on the Red Raiders of Texas Tech in the inaugural Ticket City Bowl. Because of the excitement surrounding this game, I wanted to invite you to join me for a watch party at one of my favorite places in the 46th Ward, The Spot. They're located at 4437 N. Broadway, just north of Montrose and about a block and a half south of the Wilson stop on the Red Line. Join us New Year’s Day at the Spot All of Wildcat Nation is welcome to join us - kick-off is at 11 a.m. so get there early. If you are interested, there is an optional $20 ticket for the event for purchase at the door. The ticket includes a select open bar and food specials as well as giveaways of Northwestern gear during halftime. The food at the Spot is incredible and the bar is creating a phenomenal spread for the watch party, not to be missed. I would love to see you all there on New Year's Day, please feel free to invite friends and family. You can RSVP on Facebook for the event. Come help me cheer on Coach Fitzgerald and our Northwestern Wildcats this Saturday - and as always, Go Cats! Thanks, Michael

Holiday Wishes From Michael Carroll

Here's a nice holiday wish from one great guy, Michael Carroll. A police officer in Chicago, Michael puts himself in harms way every day to help keep you and your family safe. He's also running for Alderman in Uptown's 46th Ward; the election is in February. I am happy to share Michael's good wishes with you: Dear Friend, I want to wish you, your family, and your friends a happy holidays. During the holidays, we have an opportunity to remember all the things that we are thankful for and be reunited with the ones we love. I am thankful to have friends like you supporting me in this campaign and look forward to working with you into the New Year. We should also not forget those who are less fortunate in our community during this holiday season. If you are able to volunteer at a local shelter, serve at a food pantry, or help a worthy nonprofit during this season - you can make a difference in our community. Thank you again and happy holidays from Lisa and I and the rest of the Carroll family and campaign team! Michael

Political Holiday Cheer in 46th Ward

December 20, 2010 - Not only does this party tomorrow night sound like fun, it's also a great way to get out and support Mike Carroll, the best candidate for alderman in Chicago's 46th Ward. Here's his invitation: I hope you will be able to join us tomorrow from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. for a holiday reception at our campaign headquarters located at 4700 N. Sheridan Road. It will be a great way to connect and stay involved in the campaign. The event is free to attend but contributions are appreciated. We will have light food, refreshments, and plenty of holiday cheer. Feel free to invite your friends, family, and neighbors as well. You can RSVP by replying to this e-mail or RSVP on Facebook. If you can't attend but still want to support the campaign, you can make a contribution easily online here. Please RSVP to (773) 627-1410 or mjn@carroll46.com Suggested Contribution Levels: Host - $500; Sponsor - $250; Friend - $100; Guest - $25 Learn more about Michael at www.carroll46.com Citizens for Michael Carroll P.O. Box 4902 Chicago, IL 60680-4902

Get Michael Carroll On The Ballot, Uptown!

This weekend, you can help get a great aldermanic candidate on the ballot. Join Michael Carroll on Saturday, November 6 anytime between 9:00 a.m. and Noon and on Sunday, November 7 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at 4700 N Sheridan Road. To get Michael on the ballot, he needs to get enough signatures from registered 46th Ward voters. That's where your help is so important. If you're able to, please help Michael by knocking on doors, stopping into stores, restaurants, and canvassing the neighborhood to collect signatures! (It's a great way to meet new people and learn more about Uptown!) Michael Carroll is committed to protecting and empowering the residents of the 46th Ward and as Alderman he will bring innovative and practical ideas to City Council. The first step towards a better 46th Ward begins with making sure every resident has the opportunity to vote for Michael on Feb 22, 2011! Only a few hours of your time can make it happen! For more information, or to RSVP, email Michael@Carroll46.com or phone 773-627-1410. Tweet ATTENTION FOOTBALL FANS! Spend the morning collecting signatures, then go back to Michael's campaign office to enjoy big-screen football! Watch the Northwestern Wildcats play the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, and watch da Chicago Bears are go up against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Q&A With Michael Carroll, 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate

November 3, 2010 - For Chicago, "election season" is not over! The mayoral and aldermanic elections are just around the corner in February, 2011. Tonight is a good opportunity for voters in Chicago's 46th Aldermanic Ward to meet candidate Michael Carroll. With an (optional) adult beverage in hand, you can ask Michael about the issues facing the ward and the city as a whole. It all happens at Nick's Uptown, 4015 N. Sheridan (just north of Irving Park) at 6:30 p.m. this evening. ) Click the image for more info.) If you're not able to make it to the forum tonight, Michael will gladly come to you to answer your questions and address your concerns about the future leadership of the ward and the city. Visit Michael's website today for even more information about this important election next February.

Get Signatures, Watch The Bears With Michael Carroll on Sunday, October 24

Here's a fun and pro-active way to spend a Sunday. Get together with friends and neighbors to get signatures to put Michael Carroll on the 2011 aldermanic ballot, then kick back with free food and watch the Bears on a big screen television. Nice! Mike Carroll needs signatures from registered 46th Ward voters. That means knocking on doors, stopping into stores, restaurants, and canvassing the neighborhood to collect signatures! You get some excercise, meet new people (maybe make new friends?), and feel good about participating in the democratic process. Join Michael Carroll on Sunday, October 24 anytime between 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 4700 N. Sheridan Road (at Leland) in exotic Uptown. Only a few hours of your time can make it happen! The campaign especially needs people with any foreign language proficiency. For more information or to RSVP contact: Michael@Carroll46.com or 773-627-1410. Mike Carroll is committed to protecting and empowering the residents of the 46th Ward, and as Alderman he will bring innovative and practical ideas to City Council. The first step towards a better 46th Ward begins with making sure every resident has the opportunity to vote for Michael Carroll on February 22, 2011. The Bears are playing the Redskins on October 24 at Noon and the game will be shown a big screen television at the campaign office. There will also be plenty of food and drink for anyone that drops into help. So, spend the morning collecting signatures, then get back to the office to watch the game. Go Bears! If you still haven't met Michael Carroll, here are some good times to introduce yourself: Monday, October 18: The Awake Cafe - 9am to 11:30am 736 W Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60613 Tuesday, October 19: Campaign Headquarters - 9am to 11:30am 4700 N Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60640 Wednesday, October 20: Winston's Internet Cafe - 10pm to midnight 5001 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60640 Thursday, October 21: Campaign Headquarters - 9am to 11:30am 4700 N Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60640 Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club - 7pm - 9pm 601 W. Montrose Drive, Chicago, IL 60613 Friday, October 22: The Broadway Cafe - noon to 3pm 4716 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60640 Saturday, October 23: Bernie's Tavern - 8pm - 11pm 3664 N Clark Street Chicago, IL 60613 Sunday, October 24: Campaign Headquarters - 9am to 3pm 4700 N Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60640 Contact Michael Carroll directly at 773-627-1410 or at Michael@Carroll46.com and ask him to come to you. He has been doing just that for the last eleven months and will continue until election day in February, 2011.

Get Michael Carroll On The Ballot, 46th Ward!

Residents of the 46th Ward can help get aldermanic contender Michael Carroll on the ballot by collecting signatures this Sunday, October 10 anytime between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm at 4700 N Sheridan Road, Chicago. The first step towards a better 46th Ward begins with making sure every resident has the opportunity to vote for Michael on Feb 22, 2011. Just a few hours of your time can make it happen. (Attention Bears fans: The game will be on in the campaign office, plus plenty of food for all volunteers.) To get Michael on the ballot, we need to collect signatures from registered 46th Ward voters. That means knocking on doors, stopping into stores, restaurants, and canvassing the neighborhood to collect signatures! In other words, talking to your neighbors, friends and other residents of the ward you live in. It's a fun way to participate in our democracy. Michael is committed to protecting and empowering the residents of the 46th Ward and as Alderman he will bring innovative and practical ideas to City Council. For more information or to RSVP, write to Michael@Carroll46.com or phone 773-818-7585.

Loyola Academy Ramblers Supporting Michael Carroll In 46th Ward Alderman Race

Come out and support Michael Carroll, Candidate for Alderman of the 46th Ward at Bernie's Tavern at 3664 N Clark Street in Chicago on Saturday, October 23. Bernie's Tavern is a Rambler-owned business that knows how important it is to support fellow Loyola Academy graduates. This is the type of generous support allows our Loyola family to improve the community. Tickets are only $40 each and include open bar for three hours, as well as light appetizers. Get your tickets online by clicking here. Please support a fellow Loyola Academy Rambler! As a Man for Others, Michael Carroll is working to make Chicago a better place for all. WHEN: Saturday, October 23 from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm WHERE: Bernie's Tavern is located at 3664 N Clark Street (see map) If you cannot make it to the October 23 event, please consider donating to Michael's campaign by visiting his website.

Exclusive: 9/21 Shooting in Uptown Was A Drive-By (Photos)

18 Hours Later, Sidewalk Still Bloody

Sept. 22, 2010 - Chicago - Last night's 6:00 p.m. shooting in Uptown was a drive-by. Two people were struck by bullets in front of Midtown Medical Center, 4527 North Sheridan Road (at the intersection of West Windsor Avenue). Nobody else is reporting this, but an eyewitness told Chicago News Bench today that the gunfire came from a "grayish" car as it drove southbound on Sheridan past the medical office. The witness said that there were "at least three people in the car." After the shooting, the car turned right onto West Sunnyside Avenue (see map) and made a U-turn. It then drove back, northbound, and passed through the scene of the shooting. Police were already arriving as the shooter's car passed by the second time, the witness said. There was no more gunfire after the first shots on the car's first pass. "They just drove right on through," the witness said, "because the police didn't know yet that this was the shooter's car. I told them what I saw, and then they started looking for that car." A readers tells us that the CAPS Beat 2312 meeting was told that police were on the crime scene in seconds because they were just up the street already. What the CAPS meeting was not told, however, was that the shooter casually drove right past them. The account that the witness gave Chicago News Bench today jives with what we reported last night. In our report, we said that the police are searching for a suspect "Pregnant Girl, Man Shot In Uptown"). whose name is Lonnie White, a Gangster Disciple and who "may be driving a silver/gray mid-sized Buick." Again, we are the only ones to have reported this so far. Note: Unlike Uptown Update, I actually get off my fat butt and walk the streets in search of information. We like commenters, but we don't like to rely on rumor and innuendo from anonymous emails. That's not journalism. It's gossip.

Click images to enlarge them

Police Searching For Suspect In Tuesday's Uptown Shooting

Sept. 21, 2010 - 8:20 p.m. - Chicago police are searching for a suspect in the shooting that occurred around 6:00 p.m. near North Sheridan Road and West Wilson Avenue (see "Pregnant Girl, Man Shot In Uptown"). The suspect is Lonnie White, is a Gangster Disciple and may be driving a silver/gray mid-sized buick. DO NOT APPROACH HIM. He is considered armed and dangerous. Call 911. His name: Lonnie White, Black male, late 20s/early 30s. His last known address is the 4800 block of North Winthrop. Height: 5 feet, 9 inches. Weight: 255 lbs. Details are as heard on the CPD police radio at 8:25 p.m.

Pregnant Girl, Man Shot In Uptown

Sept. 21, 2010 - Uptown, Chicago - Four Two people were shot in the 4500 block of North Sheridan Road just past 6:00 p.m. today, just south of W. Wilson Avenue in front of Midtown Medical Center. WGN TV reports that the victims were a pregnant 17-year old girl and a 29-year old man. The conditions of the victims are unknown at this time. UPDATE: Police Searching For Suspect In Tonight's Uptown Shooting

The Bloody Gutter of N. Kenmore Avenue

Blood flowed in the 4600 block of N. Kenmore at 4:00 a.m. this morning (see full story here). It quickly congealed, of course, but it flowed again hours latet at 9:05 a.m. when the Chicago Fire Department stopped by to spray down the reddened pavement. This is the usual procedure when the streets or sidewalks are stained with blood -- unceremoniously hose it down. It was off the street and into the gutter, but the process aerosolized it. The air on Kenmore, however briefly, was literally bloody.

(Updated) 911 Call For Woman Peeing In McDonald's

She just couldn't hold it, I guess. At 11:56 a.m. today, Chicago police got a call from the security guard at the McDonald's restaurant at 1004 W. Wilson Avenue in Chicago's exotic Uptown neighborhood. A woman "urinated in the dining area" of the busy fast food joint, commonly called the GangDonalds by locals because it's frequented by the little devils. UPDATE: A security guard at the McDonalds told Chicago News Bench that the woman came in as a customer. She ordered her meal, but was apparently unhappy with the counter service. Even so, she took her food and quietly ate it at a table. Finished, she politely emptied her tray into the trash, but then silently lowered her pants and proudly pee'd on the floor in front of everybody. That was, apparently, her way of complaining about the service. She then walked out, unapprehended. No charges were filed as a result of her pissy-fit. The store is on the northwest corner of N. Sheridan Road and W. Wilson Avenue, an area notorious for gang activity. It's one of the few intersections in Uptown that has a police camera. 46th Ward Ald. Helen Shiller fought against that several years ago, but CPD and CAPS fought her hard enough to get it. To this day, there is no camera two short blocks away at W. Wilson and N. Broadway, where it is not unusual for gangs to open fire on each other from across the street. Shiller has always justified her resistance to police cameras by claiming that they discriminate against the poor. Talk to any poor person in Uptown (and they are plentiful), and most will tell you that poor folks can be crime victims too - and they like the camera at Wilson and Sheridan. Odds are good that the urinating woman at McDonald's is one of the many mentally ill people who reside in Uptown, dumped into SROs and "nursing homes." Many are heavily medicated. You can often pick them out from a block away by their slow shuffle, hunched shoulders and blank-eyed look. Most are allowed to walk around unattended, which makes them ideal victims of anybody determined to mug somebody. These poor souls are so numerous in Uptown that the neighborhood is, in effect, one big open-air insane asylum. The "46th Mental Ward" is a legacy that Helen Shiller can take to her grave. Walk through Uptown's 46th Ward and you'll likely see people urinating in the open, often making no attempt to hide what they're doing. As you step over homeless people sleeping or begging on the sidewalks, you might see the occasional pile of human excrement. Puddles of vomit are also a common sight. If you've ever wondered what it's like to walk the streets of Calcutta or Hanoi, just stroll along W. Wilson between N. Sheridan and N. Clark. You'll get the same other-worldly feeling and, with some luck, your nose will catch that same other-worldly aroma.

Help Find Doletha Parker, Missing Uptown Chicago Woman

A 60-year-old woman with Alzheimer's Disease is reported missing. The Chicago Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding her. Doletha Parker was last seen about 2:30 a.m. Friday (August 6, 2010) on the 4500 block of North Malden Street, police said (see map). That's in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, where flyers for Ms. Parker have been seen posted on light poles and shop windows for two days now. Ms. Parker might have boarded the CTA Red Line at Wilson and Broadway, in an attempt to get to a son's house near 50th Street and Washington Park Court, police said. She recently moved to Chicago from Minnesota and is carrying Minnesota identification, and she might appear confused because of her medical condition. Ms. Parker is described in a missing person alert as black, 5-foot-6, 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black and white housecoat and flip-flop shoes, and was carrying a gold purse. Anyone with information is asked to call the Belmont Area Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266. The above report was largely by Heywood Hoffman as found at Chicago Breaking News, based on information from the Chicago Police Department. Some rewrite and additional information was added by Tom Mannis.

Updated - CPD's Mobile Strike Force Invades Uptown

August 6, 2010 - 8:15 PM - CHICAGO - You'll see more police than usual on the streets of Uptown tonight. Between 40 and 44 Mobile Strike Force (MSF) vehicles are making a show of force on the troubled streets of Uptown tonight. UPDATE: Shots Fired in Uptown: 7-Eleven at 4155 N Broadway at Chicago News Report "They'll be responding in force to just about everything," a well-place CPD source told Chicago News Bench tonight. "Broken windows, prostitution, everything. They're out to clean it up." You might also see a helicopter or two tonight. The MSF consists mostly of special-duty officers who are not restricted to any particular beat or district. The MSF moves into an area as needed, and it's been decided that it's time for them to make a rare North Side appearance. The MSF was created in 2008. Uptown is on the far north side of Chicago, along the shore of Lake Michigan. Although it might not be as bad as some areas of Chicago, there are parts of it that are as bad as the notorious Austin District on the West Side. The area from N. Sheridan and W. Wilson west to N. Magnolia, for example. On July 28, two men were shot in the late afternoon in the 4500 block of N. Magnolia. One died immediately, falling dead in the street (the media reported incorrectly the nontruth from CPD that he died after 1:00 a.m. the next morning in a hospital). The next day, July 29, there was retaliatory gang shooting a few blocks away. Nobody was reported injured during that afternoon spree near W. Sunnyside and N. Sheridan. Those shooting incidents are only two of many that have occurred in Uptown's 46th Ward over the years. For more about shootings in Uptown, click here. While some may criticize the MSF presence in Uptown the sign of a "Police State," we say it's a rational, welcome and overdue response to the growing Gangster State.