Chicago Alderman Calls for Walgreens to Face 'First-Degree Corporate Abandonment' Charge Over Store Closure

A Chicago alderman called for charges of "first-degree corporate abandonment" against Walgreens over its planned closure of a store in the city's 6th Ward amid safety concerns.

Ald. William Hall joined community members at a news conference Monday to protest the decision to shut the location in the Chatham neighborhood. "Walgreens should be charged with first-degree corporate abandonment," Hall said. "It should be a crime, the way they're treating our elders. It should be a crime, the way they're treating our families."

The store on South Cottage Grove Avenue is set to close June 4. Walgreens, based in the Chicago area, told the Chicago Sun-Times that theft and violent incidents prompted the move. "Despite a range of efforts, including previous operating adjustments, these ongoing safety challenges have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a secure environment for our team members and customers," the company said. "While this was not an easy decision, safety must remain our top priority."

Walgreens said employees at the store can transfer to other locations. Hall said the community is not begging the chain to stay but argued the closure is wrong because it leaves residents without a nearby spot to fill prescriptions. He predicted a "medicine drought" for seniors and those with chronic conditions.

"We're not here to beg Walgreens to stay. We are saying that their decision is the wrong decision," Hall said. "In my opinion, it should be considered a first-degree corporate crime... the number of elders who will not have access to healthcare is evil."

Hall added that Walgreens drove out small local businesses when it first opened in the area.

Ald. Raymond Lopez, a Democrat, said he gets the frustration but questioned why the anger did not surface sooner. "Where was that anger when the stores in our communities were under years and years of assault by criminals allowed to shoplift, vandalize, and destroy neighborhood institutions?" Lopez asked. "Many leaders say it is simply an insurance matter. They are wrong. There are real-world consequences for crime running rampant. This closure is the perfect example of that effect."

Walgreens has closed stores in other cities due to rampant theft.