CHICAGO, Illinois (Washington Insider Magazine) – Authorities said that 6 people were killed and nearly 20 others injured after a gunman started shooting during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois. Several of the victims, along with at least one child, were in critical condition when they were transported from the scene, confirmed the Highland Park Fire Chief Joe Schrage.
Nearly 9 hours after the incident, Robert “Bobby” Crimo III, who had been noted as a prime suspect, was taken into custody around 6:30 p.m. local time. According to officials, his car was seen, and after a short pursuit, he was apprehended. As the investigation proceeds, he is being transported to the Highland Park Police Department.
Investigators and witnesses claimed earlier during the day that it appeared the gunman was shooting at the crowd from the top of a building near to the parade route.
A firearm, according to the investigators, was found at the site. Chris Covelli, a spokesperson for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, called the weapon “a high-powered rifle.”
Hours after the event, heavily armed police officers were reportedly seen outside of what is believed to be Crimo’s residence in Highwood, a community north of Highland Park, reported CBS Chicago.
Throughout the evening, FBI agents entered and exited the home repeatedly.
According to Lake Medical Examiner Jennifer Banek, 5 individuals passed away there. The sixth victim, according to Banek, died at a hospital, however she was unable to offer any other details.
The hospital center received 26 patients in all, 25 of whom had been shot, according to Dr. Brigham Temple, medical director of emergency preparedness at Highland Park Hospital. Six patients were sent to Evanston Hospital, 4 patients were brought to Glenbrook Hospital, and a number of additional patients were transported to hospitals outside the Northshore University Medical System network.
Around 10:14 a.m., more than 100 law enforcement officials from many agencies, including the FBI, Illinois State Police, and Lake County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the incident in the Chicago suburb.
As police came closer to the building, according to Covelli, the shooter ceased fire and managed to flee.
Following the incident, police and paramedics from other jurisdictions descended upon the area. People were seen being carried into ambulances in video taken on the spot.
According to eyewitnesses interviewed by CBS Chicago, there was some uncertainty over whether the loud bangs heard immediately following the shooting were related to the Fourth of July celebrations.
The remainder of the event has been postponed, according to Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, and numerous nearby communities have also called off their parades.
Image via CBS Chicago
