CHICAGO, IL – June 16, 2025 — A 32-year-old woman is recovering after being shot while behind the wheel early Monday morning on Chicago’s South Side, in an incident that adds to the growing concern over gun violence in the city’s overnight hours.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to a call of a shooting victim shortly before 4:00 a.m. in the 1100 block of East 63rd Street, near the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood. When they arrived, they found a woman who had been shot in both calves while driving.
Preliminary reports indicate that the woman was driving in the area when she suddenly heard gunfire and immediately felt pain in her legs. Disoriented and injured, she managed to stop the vehicle and call for help. First responders quickly transported her to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she was listed in good condition.
At this time, investigators believe the woman may have been caught in the crossfire of an ongoing conflict or was a random victim of gun violence. She was unable to provide any detailed description of the shooter or shooters and did not witness where the shots originated from.
“She was just driving and suddenly realized she had been shot,” said a police spokesperson. “There was no known altercation beforehand, and at this point, we have very limited information to go on.”
The incident occurred on a stretch of East 63rd Street that has seen intermittent spikes in violence, especially during the early morning hours. Despite efforts by community leaders and local organizations to curb shootings and restore safety, random acts of violence continue to plague some areas of the South Side.
As daylight broke, detectives from Area One canvassed the scene for evidence, checking for shell casings, nearby surveillance cameras, and possible witnesses who may have heard or seen anything suspicious. So far, no suspects are in custody and the motive remains unclear.
Local residents expressed frustration and concern over the continuing pattern of violence that disrupts lives and heightens fear in the community.
“This is supposed to be a place where people can live and go to work in peace,” said a longtime Woodlawn resident. “You shouldn’t have to worry about getting shot just driving down the street. It’s heartbreaking.”
Chicago police have not released any additional details and are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time or who may have dashcam footage to come forward.
This latest incident comes amid a string of overnight shootings reported across the city over the weekend, prompting renewed calls for increased patrols and stronger investment in community-based violence prevention programs.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice. Meanwhile, the injured woman is expected to recover, though the emotional trauma of the incident will likely linger long after her physical wounds heal.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact Area One detectives at (312) 747-8380. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to CPDtip.com or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
