A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged with shooting and killing two people outside a West Loop nightclub early Christmas morning, according to Chicago Police.

Taiwan Smith, of the 3200 block of West Arthington Street, allegedly shot and killed Robert Warren, 34, and Jose Duckins, 30, outside the Victor Hotel club at 311 N. Sangamon St. around 1:34 a.m. on Dec. 25. A third person was shot but survived, Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Robert Perez said.

Smith had allegedly gotten into an argument at the club earlier in the evening and had been kicked out, according to police. He later returned with a gun and shot Warren, who the Chicago Sun-Times reported was a bouncer, and Duckins, who the Sun-Times said was a factory worker.

Police arrested Smith around 2:30 a.m. the same night near the intersection of California Avenue and Jackson Boulevard. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, one count of possession of a weapon by a felon and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm.

Smith has a long criminal history, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections, including convictions for five drug-related offenses, possession of a weapon by a felon, and aiding, abetting, possessing or selling a stolen vehicle.

Police said he had a previous warrant for his arrest for violating parole.

Calls to Victor Hotel were not immediately returned Tuesday afternoon.

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By sayron from west loop
Posted: 01/02/2012 8:17 AM

Re Victor Hotel This "club" poses a crime threat to the area and should be closed.. The clientele and activities are difficult for police to control. I hope no officer is injured there. This is not the first case of violence there.

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By Larry from West Loop
Posted: 12/31/2011 12:17 PM

Plush "caters to an upscale crowd"? If by stabbings and shootings (that resulted in a death) you mean upscale, then yes. I see what happens when Plush closes at night. Everyone filters out and stands in the street (more so when it\'s nice outside, obviously) blocking the path of cars on Madison. Fights/stabbings/shootings. The sooner Plush is out of the neighborhood the sooner we can start becoming a SAFE neighborhood again.

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By Mike Acardi from Southside
Posted: 12/29/2011 1:48 PM

Your guess is probably WRONG as Plush caters to an upscale crowd. The Victor Hotel over the years has downgraded their clientele.

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By fatta
Posted: 12/28/2011 11:31 PM

We have lost a great father, brother, uncle, nephew, cuz, and friend, Robert Warren has family that loved him deeply, and for someone to just take his life like this is sad. he is gone now and we can\'t bring him back, just know that he was loved deeply and we are praying for all involved in this.

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By Jay from Near West Side
Posted: 12/28/2011 9:15 PM

Does this Victor Hotel bar service the same clientele as Plush?

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By Billy from West Loop
Posted: 12/28/2011 10:01 AM

I am guessing he was at Plush earlier in the evening or it was closed. Any bets?