Crime Alert: Incident at McDonald's on Chicago and State

Loyola Community,

This past weekend, a serious incident took place at the McDonald’s located on the corner of Chicago and State. Due to the establishment’s proximity to the Water Tower Campus, we want to be sure you are aware of the situation.

On Sunday, a group of about 70 youths stormed the restaurant and created a disturbance. Approximately 10 Chicago Police Department (CPD) units responded and ultimately closed the restaurant for nearly three hours until peace was restored. Both CPD and Campus Safety believe this activity is related to the same group of individuals who have attempted to create havoc in the area before. In February, we alerted you to a similar incident in which these “Flash Mob Offenders” were allegedly committing thefts within local retail stores around the Water Tower Campus community. The offenders exit the Chicago Red Line stop, they go to various shops or restaurants, usually clothing stores, and then storm the stores, taking as many items as they can carry. The incidents seem to occur most often on weekends, between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Looking ahead, we encourage all Loyolans to remain aware of their surroundings when walking near the Water Tower Campus, and especially when near the corner of Chicago and State. Please also know that Campus Safety has increased patrols on both Pearson Street and Chicago Avenue, in tandem with the CPD.

To close, let me remind all of you that if you observe suspicious activity anywhere on or around campus, please notify a staff member or call Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE immediately. Also, if you have specific questions about this incident, please let me know. I can be reached at rfine@luc.edu or 773.508.2398.

Sincerely,

Robert Fine
Director, Campus Safety