A significant police presence was observed at the Near West Side White Castle restaurant on Tuesday, prompting officials from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to advise students and staff to avoid campus due to ongoing police activity. The incident is centered around a location at 1100 S. Wood St., as confirmed by university officials.
Authorities have positioned themselves on the third level of the Wood Street Parking Structure, while UIC reported that no immediate threat to campus safety was identified around 3 p.m. The garage remains accessible except for its third level. Individuals on campus are instructed to adhere to the guidance provided by officials, while those off campus should keep their distance.
Nearby roads showed signs of being closed as a result of the situation. The White Castle, located at 2356 Roosevelt Road in Tri-Taylor, was cordoned off with police tape while aerial footage captured the activities around 3 p.m. Reports indicated that a vehicle in the restaurant’s parking lot was burned, its windows shattered, though authorities have not disclosed details regarding the incident that triggered the response.
In addition, public transportation has been affected; No. 12 Roosevelt CTA buses are being rerouted in both directions due to the police activity affecting the area around Roosevelt Road and Western Avenue. Westbound buses will navigate via Roosevelt, Damen, Taylor, Western, and then return to their original route. Eastbound buses will similarly alter their routes.
It remains uncertain if the UIC alert and the nearby police presence are linked, and the situation is still evolving. Updates can be anticipated as more information becomes available. The proactive alerts highlight the importance of safety awareness in the community, and local authorities are actively managing the situation to ensure public safety.