(WTTW News)

Homicides and shootings in Chicago remain down through the first eight months of 2022 compared to the same time last year. But those figures remain well above pre-pandemic levels, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Sixty-six people were killed across the city in August, new department data shows, which brings the total number of homicides in 2022 up to 448. That’s below the pace set in each of the last two years, but the total is more than 100 homicides higher than the first eight months of 2019.

“The Chicago Police Department works every day and every night to serve and protect, and engage and inform residents in every part of our city,” Police Superintendent David Brown said in a statement. “Building trust in our community and enhancing communication are essential to impacting public safety across Chicago.”

Per the CPD, homicides in the city this year are down about 16% compared to 2021, while the total number of shootings (1,904) is down nearly 19%. For the month of August alone, there was an 18% decline in homicides in the city, compared to the same month last year (80).

But homicides year-to-date in 2022 are up some 35% compared to 2019 figures.

In total, more than 2,352 people have been shot in Chicago thus far in 2022.

Last month, officers recovered more than 1,200 firearms, which is an average of more than 38 firearms each day.

The CPD has also touted its increased presence along CTA lines this year, stating that while overall transit crime is up 40% year-to-date compared to 2021, it’s actually down about  41% compared to this time in 2019.

Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431