NEAR WEST SIDE — A Near West Side liquor store that drew numerous complaints has officially been shut down, the city's top cop announced Monday.
Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson said Adam's Foods and Liquors, 219 S. Western Ave., has been linked to four shootings since June 18. A joint operation of the Gresham and Near West police districts determined that "persistent drug and gang" activity took place at the store, Johnson said.
"It is vital that we target these locations that contribute to the violence on our streets," Johnson said at a Monday morning news conference.
On Thursday afternoon, a 25-year-old man was critically injured in a shooting in the 200 block of South Western Avenue. The liquor store, located in the block, was roped off with crime scene tape, and police officers were seen standing outside the shop.
Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) said the closure of Adam's was "long overdue."
"It is hard to shut these places down," Burnett said. "Hopefully it will stay closed."
Burnett said that corner is a hot spot for drug and gang activity, even when the store is closed.
"We have to change the culture on that corner," Burnett said.
In 2013, former 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti worked to close Adam Foods and Liquors, but the shop remained open.
There have been a rash of shootings in the area, including on June 18, when three people were shot in the 200 block of South Western Avenue, according to police.
