Suspects arrested in shooting

Police arrested three suspects in connection with a shooting last Friday in Kimbark Plaza, 1204 E. 53rd St.

A police spokesman said two men and a woman confessed their involvement in the incident, which occurred at about 5:10 p.m. near the pay telephone on Woodlawn Avenue at the southwest corner of the plaza. One suspect has been released on bond and the other two suspects have been freed until police can interview the victim.

The victim was identified as Leon Robinson, a Hyde Park resident who police said is a member of the Black P Stone street gang. According to police, the suspects became involved in an altercation with Robinson and claim that Robinson came at one of them with a chain. As of press time, Robinson was reported in critical condition at Cook County Hospital.

"We do not believe that the incident is a signal about gang activity in the area. It appears to be isolated," said Robert Richards, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the South East Chicago Commission. "Nonetheless, there have been aggressive recruiting activities by gangs across the city, and we have cautioned residents to stay clear of groups that seem to be involved in such gang activity as flashing gang signals or are wearing hats cocked at unusual angles that seem to indicate gang affiliation."

Richards said 21st District Tactical Unit officers have been responding quickly to calls from merchants and residents, and he urged those who observe what they believe to be gang activity to call the police. "If you call University Police, they will inform the Chicago police. Police have been making arrests," he said.

He noted that residents and merchants in the area have been meeting about the presence of gang members in northwest Hyde Park, especially around Elm Park on Woodlawn Avenue near Kimbark Plaza.