Community unites to tackle West Loop’s high crime rate

CHICAGO — A community meeting was held by local leaders in the wake of several high-profile crimes, including arrests. Quavon Ewing — The 32-year-old was accused of attacking and attempting to kidnap three women in just 45 minutes last Sunday.

Ewing was later charged with attempted kidnapping and aggravated battery for trying to force two women into a van at West Loop.

This all happened the day after Ewing appeared in court in Cook County on charges of failing to register as a sex offender and was released with nothing but his signature and a promise to return to court.

“There is a lack of accountability on several fronts, and it can be argued that some can be controlled and some cannot,” said Armando Chacón, president of the West Central Association.

After the attack, Ewing was held on $500,000 bail.

Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez, 25th, said, “We’re going to get through it. We have a lot of eyes, we care about each other and we’re going to do something about it.

While community groups and business leaders are looking to private security to curb the rise in violent crime, city leaders are also looking to beef up police staffing and mental health services.

“If we all work together, we can keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Alderman Walter Burnett (No. 27).