Chicago Shootings, Murders Down In 2018 Compared To Past 2 Years

CHICAGO, IL — As it moves close to the half-year mark, Chicago has seen a sharp drop in shootings in 2018 compared to the same time the previous two years. Homicides also have seen a decrease, although not as great as overall shootings.

As of Sunday, April 15, 611 people have been shot this year, according to police data collected by the Chicago Tribune. That's down from 901 in 2017 and 946 in 2016.

For fatal shootings, the city has seen 127 in 2018, so far, the Tribune reports. There were 171 homicides during the same time in 2017 and 172 in 2016.

Last year, Chicago saw a drop in shootings and homicides, going from 771 in 2016 to 650 in 2017, according to Chicago police data. Shootings also decreased from 3,550 to 2,785, police said.

Despite these decreases, Chicago's homicide totals still were at a high level in 2017. That year marked the second time in more than a decade when murders topped more than 600. It also was the second consecutive year in which Chicago's homicide total was more than New York City and Los Angeles.

More via the Chicago Tribune

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