UPTOWN — On Monday, the Chicago Police Department arrested 16 people in connection to drug dealing around Argyle Street, according to Ald. Harry Osterman (48th).
Along with the 16 arrests, four businesses were either cited or closed in the area as a result of the police action, Osterman said via email Tuesday.
"A number of these individuals were gang members who have been involved with the violence that has plagued this part of our community and were cited for selling narcotics within 1,000 feet of Goudy and McCutcheon schools," he said. "This police operation is an important step to improving the safety on and around Argyle street. A safe Argyle area is important for the entire community."
The takedown was lead by the city's narcotics and vice units and struck "the heart of gang operations," according to the Police Department.
Eight of the individuals arrested were documented gang members, and 13 were listed on the Police Department's strategic subject list, a compilation that uses an algorithm to calculate the natural tendency of an individual to be a victim of gun violence, according to the Police Department.
Other violations identified during the two-month long operation include:
• 10 Administrative Notice of Ordinance Violations issued to a building in the 5000 block of North Sheridan. The building has been ordered closed by Building Commissioner due to serious code violations.
• 10 building code violations and two gambling machines seized in the 1100 block of West Granville Avenue.
• Four building code violations issued to a building in the 1100 block of West Argyle Street.
• Eight building code violations issued to another building in the 1100 block of West Argyle Street.
The Lincoln Police District will have more officers in the area over the next few weeks, and the community is invited to two "positive loitering" in the area. The gatherings will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Argyle Street and Kenmore Avenue and 6 p.m. Friday at Argyle Street and Broadway, Osterman said.
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