Campus community:
We would like to inform you of a crime that recently occurred in the campus area to ensure you have the information you need to take the appropriate precautions.
On Sunday, Apr. 20, at 01:35 AM, an aggravated assault with a firearm occurred at 1331 S. Halsted St.
UIC Police units heard multiple gunshots fired in the area of Halsted St & Maxwell St. UICPD units arrived on scene and attempted to initiate a stop on the suspects, but the suspects were able to flee the area in vehicles. The preliminary investigation revealed two suspects engaged in a physical altercation which escalated to both suspects firing handguns at one another. There were no injuries or property damage located at the time of the initial report.
One male suspect was wearing a black jogging suit with an orange hood, slim build, and is approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall. This suspect was last seen running from the scene and fled southbound on Halsted Street. The second male suspect was wearing a black sweatshirt with white graphics, black baseball cap, slim build, and is approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall. This suspect fled the scene in a vehicle and was last seen fleeing westbound on the I-290 expressway.
UIC Police will lead the investigation. If you have any information about this incident or concerns about campus safety, please contact the UIC Police non-emergency number: 312-996-2830. Witnesses may remain anonymous by reporting through the Anonymous Incident Reporting Form.
UIC Police will provide updates as the situation warrants. For a more comprehensive look at crime in the campus area, see the daily crime log.
Public safety advisories are issued for relevant crimes that occur in our Clery geography. However, the UIC Police patrol area is much larger. UIC Police monitors this larger geographic area, together with the Chicago Police Department, to enhance community safety. UIC has more than 2,400 security cameras and 3,300 sensors posted around campus to deter crime and identify suspects. Detectives in our investigations division are trained to support and care for survivors of sexual assault and to investigate other violent crimes. Our security guards provide an extra layer of security, primarily around residence halls and libraries. Security guards can intervene or call police when they see unsafe conditions. Student patrol officers also provide observational security and Walking Safety Escorts, a free walking escort service for students, faculty and staff so they do not have to walk alone on campus.
Be aware. Stay informed. Together, we can secure our community.
- Stay alert. Be mindful of your surroundings at all times. Walk with purpose.
- Use emergency blue lights. Look for the location of the nearest emergency blue-light call boxes. The emergency blue-light call boxes provide immediate access to the UIC Police Department.
- Travel in well-lit areas. Stick to well-lit and heavily trafficked paths on campus, especially at night. Avoid shortcuts through dark or isolated areas.
- Use the buddy system. Travel in groups when you can. Request a Walking Safety Escort to accompany you when you have to walk alone.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and leave the area immediately.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Consume alcohol responsibly and avoid overindulging, which can impair judgment and make you more vulnerable to assault.
- Report assault. If you are a victim of or witness an aggravated assault, report it to UIC Police immediately.
- Seek help and support. If you feel threatened or have concerns about your safety, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family or campus advocacy networks for help and support.
- Be vigilant. Chicago is an urban setting and has many of the crime and safety issues common in any large city. Be vigilant while walking throughout the city and surrounding areas and take appropriate precautions.
Available resources:
- Public Safety Advisory Updates
- UIC Annual Security Report
- Chicago Police Department Crime Statistics and Data
- UIC Safe App
- UIC Night Ride
- Personal Safety toolkit
- U & I Care Program (Student Assistance)
UIC public safety advisories are issued in accordance with a federal law (the Jeanne Clery Act) which requires universities to disclose information about certain crimes that may pose an ongoing threat to the campus community. To advance racial equity and social justice, UIC public safety advisories do not routinely use race, ethnicity or national origin as a descriptor.
