The Latest Breaking News from West Garfield Park

Woman shot during attempted carjacking in West Garfield Park reflects on the attack: ‘I thought I was dead already’

Jaquita Sims remains in shock. She told the Sun-Times she has flashbacks, and her family is caring for her. Her co-worker, who was driving, is recovering from his wounds.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 2, 2024

Woman wounded in West Garfield Park carjacking attempt is recovering: ‘The bullets were everywhere’

Minutes after she left home for work Tuesday, Jaquita Sims called her fiance, William Thomas Jr., to say that she’d been shot. Her coworker, who was driving, was also wounded.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 29, 2023

CPD says string of armed robberies in Near North and West sides may be connected

Police say four males in a silver SUV have been targeting residents since Dec. 19. On Wednesday morning, they attempted to carjack two people in West Garfield Park, shooting and wounding them.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 28, 2023

West Garfield Park restaurant reopens after fatal crash Labor Day weekend: ‘God keeps like a forcefield around here’

LiFE Restaurant on West Madison Street shut down when the victim of a deadly shooting plowed into its facade — the second time in six years that a driver smashed into the restaurant after a shooting.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 20, 2023

16-year-old boy seriously wounded in West Garfield Park shooting

About 4:50 p.m., the teen was on the street in the 4300 block of West Adams Street when he was shot in the groin, Chicago police said.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 9, 2023

West Garfield Park grocery pop-up opens to fill gap during Save A Lot’s temporary closure

The Garfield Park Grocery Store Pop-Up opened Monday and will run until Dec. 21. The storefront will ensure residents have access to groceries while a nearby Save A Lot closes for renovations.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 6, 2023

‘Since we opened, I’ve approached (the dealers) as human beings. I’ve given them nourishing food.’

Since 2017, West Garfield Park native Joe Black and his wife, Tonya, have owned LiFE Restaurant on West Madison Street.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 3, 2023

‘If you go 5 miles east of West Garfield Park ... the life expectancy for residents is 13 years longer.’

Lashone Kelly runs the Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative. Before that, she chased bad landlords and tried to rescue derelict buildings.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 3, 2023

‘I tell the young men, ‘Look at me. I once was where you’re at, and now I live just as good as you, but you’re doing something illegal.’

Born and raised in West Garfield Park, Marcus “Moon” Mitchell remained a high-ranking gang member into his 40s before he was recruited to work for a community violence intervention group.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 3, 2023

‘When I first moved there in 1963, it was beautiful. Kids played in the neighborhood, they were free.’

Marie Henderson, 82, still runs a family business in West Garfield Park that had its beginnings in the 1960s.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 3, 2023