Illegal Activity At Uptown Starbucks 'For Years': Alderman

CHICAGO, IL — Ald. James Cappleman (46th) said he wants an Uptown Starbucks to work more closely with police after a drug deal led to the shooting death of a man and the wounding of two people, including a boy, 12, in the store Thursday night. In an emailed letter to constituents, the alderman said the Uptown Starbucks has had "issues for years with illegal activity" and he's taking "immediate action."

"I am very disturbed to learn from police that drug dealing had been going on at Starbucks for more than a week," Cappleman said. "I will not tolerate businesses that do not work with the police and my office to maintain safety."

Tressa Feher, Cappleman's chief of staff, said their office has been trying to work with the Uptown Starbucks to solve the problem.

"We have had a number of complaints from patrons, as well as businesses and nonprofits in the building about the inside of Starbucks —including its bathrooms—having illegal activity. We've tried to work with local and regional [Starbucks'] managers, but they don't follow through, and some of our suggestions that have worked for other businesses they say is against their corporate culture," Feher said.

Cappleman said he plans to work with the city's Business Affairs and Consumer Protection office to "correct the safety issues at Starbucks for the safety of residents in the ward." The alderman also said he's pushing for an increased police presence in the area.

"My office has reported this Starbucks location to BACP in the past, and the agency has conducted investigations and temporarily closed the business for previous problems."

Starbucks corporate spokesperson Reggie Borges said the Uptown store has worked hard to ramp up security.

"Right now, we are focused on supporting our partners and customers who survived this violence. We are disappointed with the comments by the Alderman, as we have a long history with the community in Chicago and creating opportunities for our partners (employees) to thrive and make an impact. As has been reported by local law enforcement, our store was not central to the crime that took place," Borges said.

Police said the shooting was likely a result of a drug deal between the shooter and the man who was killed. The shooter—who was wearing a mask—followed the man into the Starbucks and opened fire on the man and two others, including the boy, police said.

The boy was taken to Lurie Children's Hospital in critical condition, but his condition has since stabilized, authorities said. The 24-year-old victim remains in serious condition, police said.

The man who died has been confirmed as 28-year-old Sauvignon Watkins of the Chatham neighborhood. Police said Watkins and the other shooting victim knew each other, but that the boy had no connection to the incident.

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