Second person accused in Back of the Yards liquor store shootout charged with attempted murder

CHICAGO — Felony charges have been filed against a second person accused in a shootout inside a South Side liquor store on Friday night that left several people injured.

According to Chicago police, 24-year-old Luis Vargas, a Back of the Yards resident, has been charged with several felonies, including three counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm in an occupied building and one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

Vargas is the second person to be charged in connection with the shootout. On Sunday, police announced that 21-year-old Angeles Flores had been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm in an occupied building in connection with the shooting.

In an initial report by the police, Flores was described as a 22-year-old female offender, however, subsequent releases have identified her as being 21 years of age.

The charges stem from the duo’s alleged role in a shootout that erupted after an argument broke out inside a liquor store in the 1900 block of West 51st Street, in the Back of the Yards, which left several injured, including one of the alleged shooters.

Officers said the incident unfolded just before 10:30 p.m. after an argument broke out among several people who were inside the business.

Police said the argument escalated and eventually became physical when Flores allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire before Vargas allegedly grabbed the gun from her and fired more shots.

Amid the gunfire, a man who was a part of the other group involved in the fight also pulled out a gun and returned fire on the alleged shooters.

Following the shootout, Vargas and Flores allegedly fled the scene.

In total, five people, including Flores, suffered gunshot wounds in the shootout.

According to police, a 48-year-old man who was shot in his abdomen and a 22-year-old man who was shot in his chest were both taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Additionally, a 60-year-old woman who suffered a graze wound to her left elbow and a 45-year-old man who was shot in the left hand were taken to the hospital in good condition.

Flores ended up suffering a gunshot wound to her heel and thigh, and later took herself to the hospital, where she was listed in good condition and later taken into custody in connection with the incident.

Authorities caught up with Vargas on Wednesday and took him into custody in the 1900 block of West Garfield Boulevard.

Flores appeared in court on Monday and is due back on Monday, March 24. Vargas appeared in court for a detention hearing on Thursday.