Did Google Maps capture images of a kid pointing a gun and a drug deal on Chicago's streets?

Google Maps image of Chicago street on Gawker.com

Anyone who has followed Chicago news this summer knows that crime has gotten out of control. Just this past weekend, at least four people, including one teen, were shot, and a few weeks ago Governor Blagojevich offered to send in state police and national guard troops to help combat violence.

But just in case there weren't enough reminders of the city's crime epidemic, now we can also turn to Google Map's Street View, a tool that's supposed to help you "explore cityscapes, landmarks, points of interest" and "find shops, restaurants, parks, hotels and more," to catch a glimpse of illicit activity on Chicago's streets. Either that or some kids playing around with water guns.

The NYC-based gossip website Gawker.com published Google Map images of a boy pointing a gun at another child as its "Pic of the Day" back in May. It does point out that the gun is "probably a toy gun," but goes on to ask, "What is it about Chicago?" and "What's with all the Chicago crimespotting?" Not to mention the post is titled "Google Map Catches Kid About to Shoot Someone," so it's not trying to hide the fact that Gawker thinks it could be a real gun since, you know, it's Chicago and all.

A couple months before the images of the kid and a gun, Gawker also posted a series of photos that the site claims have captured a drug deal on a "notorious drug trafficking corner on the South Side of Chicago" (at right). The site no doubt presents the photos in a somewhat comedic light, but is it fair to say that no Chicagoans are laughing?

What do you think of the images and the way they're portrayed at Gawker.com? Post your comments below.