Chicago police have taken 284 guns off the streets in 2022, Brown says

CHICAGO - Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown says it’s early, but there are some positive signs about crime in Chicago.

Even though we’re just two weeks into the new year, Brown said the violent crime numbers are trending in the right direction.

"We have started this year better than we started last year. And the previous year. And the previous year," Brown said. "Homicides are down 26%. They were up close to 40% last year at this point."

Brown also said shootings are down 17% compared to last January.

The superintendent said his officers have made 56 carjacking arrests so far this year, and arrested a suspect in possession of 11,000 fake oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. He said the department has made progress cracking down on organized retail theft crews, arresting one suspect who hit the North Face store three times in two weeks.

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In addition, the superintendent issued a warning to anyone thinking about committing a crime.

"Don't think for one moment that we're going to let you get away with this," Brown said. "We're going to pursue you and bring you to justice for the crimes that have occurred in the past, that you continue to do. You will be held accountable. So don't think for one minute we're just going to let you get away with this."

Brown said police have already seized 284 illegal guns this year, including 35 weapons and ammunition from a Roseland home in the 300 block of West 110th Street.

"Imagine, just imagine if these guns had hit the streets of Chicago. I cannot help but think of all the lost futures and the devastation to families and neighborhoods and businesses," Brown said.

In April, Brown begins his third year as Chicago’s top cop. He and other police brass are under heavy political pressure to build on the early positive momentum seen so far this year.