Watch CBS News

McCarthy Points To Significant Drop In Gang Shootings

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Police Superintendent outlined a significant drop in key stats on Wednesday and as Brad Edwards reports, they used one face as a shining example of what's right.

"For the last six quarters, we have had a significant reduction in the murder rate, also with a significant reduction in the shooting rate," said McCarthy.

Through March 13 2014, gang shootings are down 45 compared to year prior and a 60 percent drop from two years ago. The Chicago Police Department is two years into a strategy of gang audits and warning future potential victims.

Has the deep freeze aided that drop, especially this season?

"Well. It hasn't been winter for the last year and a half," said McCarthy. "It has been a very steady progression."

Amongst a storm of numbers and titles, there was one name: Andrew Holmes.

To have the safety you need in a neighborhood, you gotta to live by a moral code, not a code of silence and I'm gonna highlight Andrew Holmes because he stepped forward and said I have a moral code, I have a moral responsibility," said Mayor Emanuel.

McCarthy says guns are still the city's top scourge, with 1000 guns seized already this year.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.