3 men injured in drive-by Humboldt Park shooting late Saturday night

CHICAGO — Three men were shot late Saturday night in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, according to police.

Officers responded just after 10 p.m. to the 1100 block of North California Avenue following reports of multiple gunshot victims.

Police say the victims were standing outside in a group when someone in a vehicle approached and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

A 27-year-old man was shot in both legs and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he is reported to be in fair condition. A 42-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the calf and is also in fair condition at Humboldt Park Hospital. The third victim, a 45-year-old man, was shot in the right leg and is being treated at the same hospital, also in fair condition.

The shooting happened just steps from where the annual Puerto Rican Fest is being held as gates closed for the night. Witnesses say the victims were all innocent bystanders.

A witness, who wanted to remain anonymous, says a man who couldn’t get into a blocked off gas station parked on the sidewalk and went inside. Then, the shooting happened.

“He reversed like he was just gonna drive away and when he went to turn into the alley, he shot three times and took off,” the witness said.

A youth outreach worker says he rushed over with others to help, keeping the victims calm while they called 911.

“Thank God they didn’t get hit in the chest or the head,” William Estrada said. “I’m a father, so it hurt us and it’s hurting the community. But as a community, we can come together to stop and curb the violence.”

It is not clear whether any of the victims had attended the festival.

Area Three Detectives are investigating the incident. No arrests have been made at this time.