Man, 30, critical after shooting in River North

CHICAGO— A 30-year-old man is in critical condition after being shot in River North.

The shooting happened around 3 a.m. Thursday in the 10-100 block of West Illinois. Authorities say police responded to shots fired and found the man who was shot in the stomach and torso.

According to police, the man was unable to communicate and was transported to Northwestern Hospital in critical condition.

Police have not provided further details, but witnesses told WGN the shooting happened in front of a Chicago fire house and involved two groups of men. The witness says one group was walking south on Dearborn Street toward Illinois Street when they got into a confrontation with the other group.

Someone opened fire, striking the 30-year-old man. After the shooting, everyone fled the area and the gunman for into a vehicle and drove off, according to a witness.

No one in custody and Area Three detectives are investigating.

River North has been struggling with violent crime, including several shootings for months now. Police say they have beefed up patrols in the area, even the Cook County Sheriff’s Department has opened an office in the area.