Afternoon Gunfire on Dan Ryan Expressway Leaves Two Teenagers Injured in South Side Incident

Two teenagers were shot and injured during a high-speed chase that escalated into gunfire on the Dan Ryan Expressway Wednesday afternoon, triggering lane closures and a police investigation just before rush hour.

The Illinois State Police reported that the shooting took place around 2:04 p.m. on the inbound side of the expressway near 43rd Street, in the Legends South neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. Authorities believe the incident began as a chase in the local lanes before continuing into the express lanes, where shots were fired.

Emergency responders transported both victims to local hospitals for treatment. Their exact conditions have not been publicly disclosed, but officials confirmed that both are teenagers. Chicago fire officials were among the first on the scene to provide assistance.

Multiple lanes of the Dan Ryan were shut down temporarily, causing significant traffic delays during one of the busiest times of day. Police worked to process the scene while commuters were redirected around the active investigation area.

As of late Wednesday evening, no arrests had been made, and the shooters remain at large. Investigators are reviewing traffic camera footage and speaking with potential witnesses in hopes of identifying suspects and understanding what led to the chase and gunfire.

The Dan Ryan Expressway, a major thoroughfare through Chicago, has seen a rise in vehicular shootings in recent years. Law enforcement agencies have increased surveillance and patrols along the route, but the latest shooting highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing expressway-related violence.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.