2 killed, 60 arrested amid looting in Cicero

Two people were shot dead and dozens were arrested Monday in a day of unrest in west suburban Cicero.

Sixty people were taken into custody in response to looting and violence with the help of about 120 Cook County sheriff’s police and state troopers, Cicero police said.

“These were outside agitators who were driving through Cicero seeking to cause trouble,” town spokesman Ray Hanania said.

One of the victims of the fatal shooting was identified as Victor Cazares, 27, of Cicero, Hanania said. He was shot near Super Espiga Grocery, 4920 West 14th Street.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office said Cazares died of a gunshot wound to the head and ruled his death a homicide.

Another man died of a gunshot wound to the torso, the medical examiner’s office said. He was shot about 7:05 p.m. in the 2100 block of South 50th Avenue, and his death was ruled a homicide.

While the medical examiner’s office named the man, Hanania didn’t confirm his identity Tuesday evening, pending notification to relatives.

“Outside agitators shot at least two people near 50th and Cermak Road but Police apprehended the three suspects involved in the shooting,” Hanania said.

Hanania said the suspects were “looters who are not Cicero residents” but did not provide further details on the shooting.

Employees were seen standing outside of several business holding clubs and other weapons as protection, Hanania said.

“We are encouraging residents to stay home and allow us to continue to keep everyone safe,” Cicero police said. “We are NOT encouraging anyone to take the law into their own hands.”