A man killed in a shooting a Starbucks in Uptown that also left two other people injured, including a 12-year-old boy, had just completed a drug deal, and was carrying a weapon and narcotics when he was shot, according to police.
Sauvignon Watkins, a father of two from the Avalon Park neighborhood, was killed in the shooting Thursday evening in the Starbucks at 4753 N. Broadway, according to Chicago Police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
The incident started with a drug deal near Broadway and Wilson, according to Town Hall District Cmdr. Marc Buslik. Police said Watkins and a 24-year-old man who was also wounded were involved in the transaction.
Sauvignon Watkins | Chicago Police
The 12-year-old and 24-year-old were waiting for Watkins inside the Starbucks when the shooting began, Buslik said. But police later said the boy was “not connected to the incident.”
Just after 8 p.m., a person wearing a ski mask chased Watkins into the coffee shop and opened fired, according to police and the medical examiner’s office.
On his Facebook page, Ald. James Cappleman (46th) wrote: “Appears victim completed narcotics transaction outside, ran into Starbucks and was shot, later died. Police continuing investigation.”
Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said, though it was unclear where on the body he was shot.
The boy suffered a gunshot wound to the groin and was being treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he was in good condition, police said. The 24-year-old was shot in the abdomen and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in serious condition.
Police said a weapon and narcotics were found on Watkins.
A police source said both Watkins and the 24-year-old are documented gang members who have “prior history with police.”
CPD records show Watkins has been arrested nine times since 2014, on charges including drug possession, domestic battery, endangering the life of a child and weapons charges.
“As far as we can tell, this was not a random act,” Buslik said.
Kendra Nance, 26, who lives in the neighborhood, was walking at Broadway and Lawrence when she heard four shots. She walked to the Starbucks and saw people running and a man lying inside.
“There was a lot of blood,” Nance said.
The Starbucks, inside the historic Bridgeview Bank building, will be closed Friday, according to a statement on its website.
“We were saddened to learn of the passing of a young man and the injury of two others as a result of gun violence at our store,” the statement said.
“The store will be closed tomorrow morning (Friday) as we focus on our local store partners, ensuring they have the support they need. We will continue to support law enforcement in their investigation,” the statement said.
Cappleman express “Prayers of peace & comfort for those injured tonight, and to the family of the young man who was killed. Such senseless violence tonight.”
No one was in custody as of early Friday afternoon as Area North Detectives investigate. The alderman said camera footage of the incident is being obtained.
