Chicago Man Charged in Shooting That Targeted 23-Year-Old, Infant

Suspect accused of attempted murder, firing at car with 4-month-old inside

Feb. 12, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A 30-year-old Chicago man has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and multiple firearm-related felonies in connection with a shooting incident on January 24 in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Police say the suspect, Jonathan Smith, shot and injured a 23-year-old man and also fired at a vehicle carrying a 28-year-old man and a 4-month-old boy, though they were not struck.

Why it matters

Gun violence and crimes targeting children are major concerns in Chicago, which has struggled with high rates of shootings and homicides in recent years. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces in addressing public safety and protecting vulnerable residents.

The details

According to police, on January 24, Jonathan Smith shot and injured a 23-year-old man in the 4800 block of S. Elizabeth Street. During the same incident, Smith also allegedly fired at a vehicle carrying a 28-year-old man and a 4-month-old boy, though they were not struck. Smith was arrested on February 10 in the 0-100 block of E. 75th Street and has been charged with two felony counts of attempted first-degree murder, two felony counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle, and a felony count of aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm.

  • The shooting incident occurred on January 24, 2026.
  • Smith was arrested on February 10, 2026.

The players

Jonathan Smith

A 30-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and multiple firearm-related felonies in connection with the shooting incident.

23-year-old man

The victim who was shot and injured by Jonathan Smith on January 24.

28-year-old man

The driver of the vehicle that was fired upon by Jonathan Smith, though he was not struck.

4-month-old boy

The infant who was in the vehicle that was fired upon by Jonathan Smith, though he was not struck.

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What’s next

Smith's next court date is scheduled for Friday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Chicago faces in addressing gun violence and protecting vulnerable residents, including children, from the devastating impacts of shootings.