CPD RELEASE – Summary Closure of Three Social Clubs
For Immediate Release Contact: Office of News Affairs
January 7, 2016 312-745-6110
Chicago Police and City Officials Close Three Social Clubs in Response to Weekend Violence
CHICAGO – The Chicago Police Department has concluded an investigation of recent violent offenses occurring at three separate, unlicensed social clubs, resulting in the immediate closure of the sites. The closures were made possible by the Summary Closure ordinance, which gives the Police Superintendent the ability to order the closure of establishments that are deemed public safety threats. The closures will be effective until the establishments become licensed and work with police and city officials to develop an approved public safety plan to ensure they no longer threaten public welfare. Licensed businesses that are closed under the ordinance are temporarily shut down for a period of up to six months. All three locations have historically been the site of multiple violent offenses:
- An unlicensed social club known as “The Loft,” located on the 5900 block of S. Wentworth, was recently the site of a double homicide on December 27, 2015. Two 28-year-old victims, a male and female, were fatally shot when an unknown offender approached on foot and shot into the vehicle in which they were sitting after a party at the club. An investigation into 911 records revealed the club failed to report the incident. Over the past year, five separate reports have been made of violent crimes occurring at this location, in addition to two active cease and desist orders.
- An unlicensed social club located on the 3500 block of W. Lake was the site of a recent shooting on January 2, 2016. The victim exited the social club and began to walk west on Lake when he heard gunshots and felt pain in his leg. The unlicensed social club failed to report the incident to 911 after an investigation into service call records. In the past year, 11 separate calls have been made to 911 at the location, most of which were of a violent nature. Six of those calls were directly related to the unlicensed social club. There are currently four active cease and desist orders at this location.
- An unlicensed social club located on the 3400 block of W. Harrison was the site of a shooting on January 3, 2016. The victim was shot in the shoulder after a verbal altercation with the offender. An investigation into 911 records indicated the club failed to report the incident. Four separate reports have been made at this location in the past year as well as three active cease and desist orders.
“We are sending a message that there is zero tolerance for businesses that serve as hubs for violence,” said Chicago Police Interim Superintendent John Escalante. “We will continue to crack down on locations throughout the City that pose a public safety threat to all Chicagoans.”
A “Summary Closure Order” has been issued for the respective sites, mandating the cessation of all operations
immediately.
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