Uptown Up in Arms Over “Near Riot-Like” Activity

Shots reportedly fired Thursday night

Increased police patrols are promised in the area around Leland and Sheridan in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood after "near riot-like" activity in the streets the past few nights.

Video from the area appears to show about a dozen people running back and forth in the street, breaking bottles and yelling.  One NBCChicago.com visitor wrote of "near riot-like gang fighting," and said that shots were fired Thursday night at about 10:30.

On the Web site UptownUpdate.com, commenters express fear and anger over the activity.

"This is by no means an isolated incident," reads a comment by Michael.  "This same exact scene played out multiple times this Spring as well."

"We have had 3 nights in a row of this and never in my 10 years of living here have I seen it so bad," wrote another resident.

"I'm scared to walk my dog after 7:30PM in this neighborhood! Sad!," wrote "KenmoreResident."
 

 

In the video, purportedly shot Wednesday night, a squad car passes through and tells the crowd to disperse.  Later, several marked cars appear.  Police later confirmed that one person was arrested.  One officer suffered minor injuries.

Residents say its taken repeated complaints to get any action from the city.  

Police confirmed that the activity is "probably gang-related," and said the video is being reviewed by tactical teams and watch commanders in the district.

Ald. Helen Schiller has not returned NBC Chicago's repeated requests for comment.

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