Security Alert

Monday, May 25, 2020

At approximately 12:20 a.m., Monday, May 25, 2020 – Chicago police and UCPD officers responded to calls of shots fired in the area of 5644 S. Drexel Avenue. Officers discovered that the victim, a University contract employee, suffered three gunshot wounds as the victim was seated their vehicle parked at that location.  A blue 2011 Volkswagen van with Illinois license plate BD14372 was seen leaving the scene of the crime northbound on Drexel Avenue. The victim was taken to the UC Medicine Emergency Department for treatment. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time. The Chicago police department is investigating this crime.


Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not resist an armed robbery unless absolutely necessary. Avoid using cell phones or other electronic devices while on the street. When walking, try to walk with a group or have a friend walk with you. There is safety in numbers.

Familiarize yourself with the location of the University’s emergency phones. If you see suspicious activity, please report it immediately to police by activating an emergency phone or by calling the UCPD when you get to a safe location. If you are concerned about your safety as you walk within the UCPD's patrol area, call 773.702.8181 and request a safety escort. Use public transportation when possible. Visit the Department of Safety & Security’s website for more information about safety and security at the University of Chicago.

Quick Takeaways

  • If you have any information related to this incident or if you witness any suspicious activity, please report it immediately to the Chicago Police Department (911) or the University of Chicago Police Department – 123 from a University phone or 773.702.8181 from other phones.

  • Security alerts are issued by email and posted to the Department of Safety & Security’s website when an incident occurs that should be brought to the immediate attention of the University community. Security alerts are based on information reported to the University of Chicago Police Department. The reported information may not have been investigated or confirmed at the time the security alert was issued.

  • Physical descriptions of a suspect, including race, are included in security alerts only when they provide several details that might help distinguish the suspect's appearance from the general population.

  • Comments or suggestions about security-related issues should be directed to: ucpd-pio@uchicago.edu.

Please Note

The University of Chicago Police Department patrol area boundaries are 37th Street on the north to 65th Street on the south/Cottage Grove Avenue to Lake Shore Drive (39th Street to 60thStreet)/Evans Avenue to Stony Island Avenue (61st Street to 64th Street)/65th Street (Ellis Avenue to University Avenue).