Lake and McHenry County Scanner |
- Mothers, fathers, grandparents: These are the 7 victims killed in the Highland Park shooting
- ‘Are mommy and daddy coming soon?’: Over $2.5M raised for boy whose parents were killed in Highland Park shooting
- 7-year-old flown to the hospital after being struck by hit-and-run driver in McHenry
- FBI sets up family assistance center, governor issues disaster proclamation after mass shooting in Highland Park
- 4 years in prison for Lake in the Hills man, owner of Denny’s restaurants, who defrauded state of $3M in tax revenue
- Federal charges possible against Highland Park suspect, who prosecutors say confessed to mass shooting
- Judge orders Highland Park mass shooting suspect held without bond for killings of 7 parade-goers
- Neighbor rescues two dogs from house fire in Cary
- 2-year-old boy reunited with grandparents after both of his parents killed in Highland Park parade shooting
- Prosecutors file first-degree murder charges against alleged gunman who killed 7, injured dozens in Highland Park mass shooting
- Charges to be announced against alleged Highland Park shooter; coroner identities of 6 of 7 victims killed
- 7th victim dies after mass shooting at Fourth of July parade in Highland Park; some victims identified
- Severe thunderstorms could bring torrential rainfall, 75 mph winds Tuesday in northern Illinois
- Police say gunman planned Highland Park mass shooting for weeks, fired more than 70 rounds into crowd
- No injuries after barn found fully engulfed in flames near Woodstock
- Person of interest in custody after mass shooting that left 6 dead, dozens injured in Highland Park
- ‘This madness must stop’: Gov. Pritzker speaks after mass shooting leaves 6 dead, 39 injured in Highland Park
| Mothers, fathers, grandparents: These are the 7 victims killed in the Highland Park shooting Posted: 06 Jul 2022 06:47 PM PDT   Family members and friends remember the seven victims of the Highland Park mass shooting, who were mothers, fathers, grandparents and neighbors. Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified six of the seven victims killed as Katherine Goldstein, 64, of Highland Park; Irina McCarthy, 35, of Highland Park; Kevin McCarthy, 37, of Highland Park; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63, of Highland Park; Stephen Straus, 88, of Highland Park; and Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78, of Morelos, Mexico. The seventh victim who died at a hospital on Tuesday was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Eduardo Uvaldo, 69, of Waukegan. Goldstein was described by her friend Jill Kirshenbaum as a bird lover, and she remembers how much she cared for her children, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Kirshenbaum called Goldstein “the kindest, sweetest.” Goldstein wanted her children to be successful. “She really loved her family,” Kirshenbaum said.  The two McCarthys are the parents of two-year-old Aiden McCarthy. Aiden was found by bystanders wandering around following the chaos of the Monday morning shooting. The boy did not know his or his parents' names and was taken to the Highland Park Police Department where he was reunited with his grandfather, Michael Levberg. "When I picked him up, he said, 'Are Mommy and Daddy coming soon?’" Levberg told the Chicago Tribune. "He doesn't understand." Levberg told the Chicago Sun-Times that Aiden's father, Kevin, died protecting Aiden. "He had Aiden under his body when he was shot," Levberg said. A GoFundMe account created Tuesday has raised over $2.7 million for the young boy and his family members.  Toledo was described as a loving, creative, adventurous and funny man, his family said in a GoFundMe account. Toledo’s granddaughter, Xochil Toledo, told the Chicago Sun-Times that her grandfather was “happy to be living in the moment.” Three bullets struck and killed her grandfather. Xochil Toledo said her grandfather saved her life, her boyfriend’s life and her cousins’ life. According to the Chicago Tribune, Sundheim was an employee and lifelong member of the North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe. Ros Lotzof, who knew Sundheim as a resident of her neighborhood, remembered her as a “wonderful, sweet lady” and “caring wife.” "I can't say enough about her. She was the kindest, sweetest person — always welcoming,” Lotzof told the Tribune.  Straus was described by his longtime neighbor as “always kind” and “always thoughtful,” the Daily Herald reported. Gayle Teicher was Straus’s neighbor for 50 years. “Mr. Straus would come over, ring the doorbell and stand in the kitchen and make sure we had what we needed, and talk a little bit and say hello. He was always caring,” Teicher said. Teicher highlighted how Straus would always be walking, calling it a “part of what sort of set his way of living.” “He walked to the Ravinia train station and was still working. He walked in the snow and the rain.” Straus is survived by his wife, two sons, brother and four grandchildren.  Uvaldo died at a hospital in Cook County two days after the shooting. His family prayed for a positive outcome, but doctors told them his chance of survival is low. Nivia Guzman said in a GoFundMe account that her younger brother and both grandparents were injured in the shooting. Uvaldo was shot in the arm and back of the head. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition. “My grandpa is a kind, loving, and funny man who did not deserve this,” Guzman said.  Police said that Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, was responsible for the shooting that occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. He was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder Tuesday evening, Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said. Many additional charges will be filed against Crimo, Rinehart said. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks.  Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 45 people. Over 80 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli.  Crimo walked to his mother's Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as it traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles along with three other guns seized were legally purchased by Crimo himself.  Covelli said in a follow-up press conference that law enforcement had two prior encounters with Crimo. One of those occurred in April 2019 when Highland Park police responded to a delayed report from a family member that Crimo attempted suicide. Officers spoke to Crimo and his parents and determined the matter was being handled by mental health professionals, Covelli said. The second encounter was in September 2019 when a family member reported Crimo threatened to "kill everyone."  Police responded and removed 16 knives and other weapons from his residence. They then notified the Illinois State Police but officers did not arrest Crimo. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved in the Monday shooting. Crimo confessed to the attack and told investigators that he had contemplated committing a second attack in Wisconsin. He remains held in the Lake County Jail after Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered him held without bond Wednesday morning. The post Mothers, fathers, grandparents: These are the 7 victims killed in the Highland Park shooting appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 06 Jul 2022 04:50 PM PDT   Over $2.5 million has been raised to support a 2-year-old boy after his father died shielding him during the Highland Park mass shooting. His mother was also killed by the gunman. Aiden McCarthy, 2, was found by bystanders wandering around following the chaos of the Monday morning shooting. The boy did not know his or his parents’ names and was taken to the Highland Park Police Department. Aiden was attending the Independence Day parade with his parents, Irina McCarthy, 35, and Kevin McCarthy, 37. The two McCarthys, who were Highland Park residents, were confirmed to be among the seven dead victims, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek. Michael Levberg, Aiden’s grandfather, said he was reunited with his grandson at the police department. “When I picked him up, he said, ‘Are Mommy and Daddy coming soon?'” Levberg told the Chicago Tribune. “He doesn't understand.” Levberg told the Chicago Sun-Times that Aiden’s father, Kevin, died protecting Aiden. “He had Aiden under his body when he was shot,” Levberg said. A GoFundMe account created Tuesday has raised over $2.6 million for the young boy and his family members. Aiden will be raised by his grandparents along with other family members. The boy will have a “long road ahead to heal, find stability, and ultimately navigate life as an orphan,” the GoFundMe said. Aiden is surrounded by a community of friends and extended family that “will embrace him with love, and any means available to ensure he has everything he needs as he grows,” according to the account. The fundraiser was started to help Aiden and his surviving family with financial expenses. Police have said that Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, was responsible for the shooting that occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. He was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder Tuesday evening, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. Many additional charges will be filed against Crimo, Rinehart said. “Our hearts go out to the seven families who lost loved ones yesterday. Dozens of people have already volunteered to support these families, and I know that Mayor Rotering, Chief Jogmen, Lake County, and our federal partners have already started the critical work of supporting these families who are most in need right now,” Rinehart said. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 45 people. Over 80 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. Crimo walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as it traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles along with three other guns seized were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Covelli said in a follow-up press conference that law enforcement had two prior encounters with Crimo. One of those occurred in April 2019 when Highland Park police responded to a delayed report from a family member that Crimo attempted suicide. Officers spoke to Crimo and his parents and determined the matter was being handled by mental health professionals, Covelli said. The second encounter was in September 2019 when a family member reported Crimo threatened to “kill everyone.” Police responded and removed 16 knives and other weapons from his residence. They then notified the Illinois State Police but officers did not arrest Crimo. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved in the Monday shooting. Crimo confessed to the attack and told investigators that he had contemplated committing a second attack in Wisconsin. The post ‘Are mommy and daddy coming soon?’: Over $2.5M raised for boy whose parents were killed in Highland Park shooting appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| 7-year-old flown to the hospital after being struck by hit-and-run driver in McHenry Posted: 06 Jul 2022 02:31 PM PDT    A 7-year-old girl suffered numerous injuries and had to be flown to the hospital after being struck by a pickup truck that fled the scene in McHenry, police and her family said. The McHenry Police Department and McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded around 6:56 p.m. Saturday to the 4900 block of West Prairie Avenue in McHenry for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries. McHenry Police Department Public Affairs Officer Michael Spohn told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that officers arrived to find a female juvenile who had been injured. An initial investigation determined a Dodge pickup truck was traveling eastbound on Prairie Avenue when it struck the girl. The girl was riding an electric bike at the time of the crash, Spohn said. The pickup truck left the scene after striking the child. Officers provided first aid to the child, who had a leg injury, until paramedics arrived, Spohn said. Paramedics transported the child to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in McHenry where they met a LifeNet helicopter at the helipad. The LifeNet helicopter transported the 7-year-old girl to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, according to the victim’s grandmother. The child suffered a broken clavicle and numerous cuts and bruises, the grandmother said. Doctors also had to insert almost three dozen stitches in her leg. Spohn said Tuesday that officers had not made any arrests yet in the case. The incident remains under investigation by the McHenry Police Department. The post 7-year-old flown to the hospital after being struck by hit-and-run driver in McHenry appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 06 Jul 2022 01:27 PM PDT    The FBI has set up a family assistance center for people affected by the Highland Park mass shooting. Meanwhile, Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for Lake County. A disaster proclamation grants the state the ability to expedite the use of state resources, personnel or equipment to help affected communities recover, according to the governor’s office. “There are no words for the kind of evil that turns a community celebration into a tragedy,” Pritzker said Tuesday. “As we mourn together, the State of Illinois will provide every available resource to Highland Park and surrounding communities in the days and weeks ahead as the community works to recover from this horrific tragedy,” he said. The FBI Chicago Field Office announced a family assistance center opened Wednesday at the Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Avenue. The FBI's Victim Service Response Team will be working in conjunction with local, state, and federal aid groups to staff the center. Services provided at the center include counseling, government aid assistance and financial assistance. The hours will be Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and thereafter as needed.  “Victims are not just those physically injured by yesterday's events, but also those experiencing emotional distress,” the FBI said in a statement. All personal belongings left along the parade route are slowly being evaluated for investigative purposes. “Law enforcement requests the public’s patience as they evaluate what may be returned at this time,” the FBI said. Personal belongings found on Central Avenue between Green Bay Road and 2nd Street will be available for pickup Wednesday afternoon at the center. The mass shooting occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near 2nd Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. An Independence Day parade was in progress on the street when police officers, who were standing by at the event, heard gunfire, Highland Park Police Department Commander Chris O’Neill said. Numerous attendees who were attending the Fourth of July parade reported hearing gunfire and people began running for safety. Some people said the shots sounded like fireworks. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, pre-planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the parade. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. The man then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 45 people. Over 80 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. Crimo walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles along with other guns seized were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Crimo has been charged with seven counts of first-degree murder. He remains held in the Lake County Jail after Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered him held without bond. Lake County is the only county included in the disaster proclamation, which is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days, according to the governor’s office. “My community is so grateful for the emergency declaration and the support the State of Illinois has already given, especially the immediate response from the Illinois State Police,” said State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield). “Our needs will grow and evolve over time, and we know state government has our back as we continue to confront the reality of this horrific attack,” Morgan said. Lake County officials said that the county maintains a 24/7 crisis hotline where people can anonymously talk to crisis counselors by calling 847-377-8088. On Tuesday, the White House said that President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering flags at half-staff to pay respect to the victims of the shooting. The post FBI sets up family assistance center, governor issues disaster proclamation after mass shooting in Highland Park appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 06 Jul 2022 12:08 PM PDT    A Lake in the Hills man, who is the owner of numerous Denny’s restaurants, has been sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding the state out of more than $3 million in tax revenue. Kenneth Kilberger, 53, of the 1000 block of Mason Lane in Lake in the Hills, was formally charged in McHenry County Circuit Court on June 30 with one count of sales tax evasion over $100,000, a Class 1 felony. Less than a week later, Kilberger entered into a negotiated plea deal and on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the charge, court records show. McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt approved the plea deal and Kilberger was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was also ordered to pay over $25,000 in fines and court costs related to the case. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said that from January 2016 to October 2020, Kilberger evaded taxes on sales from 11 Denny's restaurants he owned and operated within the state of Illinois. Kilberger underreported the restaurants' sales by approximately $42 million, defrauding the state of more than $3 million in tax revenue, Raoul said. Records show Kilberger is the president of PFC Classic Dining Restaurant Group based in Algonquin. Kilberger owns dozens of restaurants in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and other states. “Business owners who defraud the state out of tax revenue harm their communities by depriving needed programs and services of funding,” Raoul said. “I commend the Illinois Department of Revenue for its work on this case and am committed to our continued collaboration in recovering critical revenue and holding accountable the individuals who attempt to defraud the state,” he added. The investigation was conducted by the Illinois Department of Revenue's (IDOR) Criminal Investigation Division through an initiative targeting sales tax evasion and theft of government funds. Kilberger has since paid all back taxes owed to the IDOR, the attorney general’s office said. “Individuals who falsify sales taxes are not just stealing from the state, but also from the residents who rely on the important programs and services that tax revenue provides,” said Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris. “I congratulate and appreciate the continued partnership of the Department of Revenue's Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Attorney General's Office as we continue to work together to hold these individuals accountable,” Harris said. Kilberger surrendered himself to the custody of the McHenry County Jail on Wednesday. The post 4 years in prison for Lake in the Hills man, owner of Denny’s restaurants, who defrauded state of $3M in tax revenue appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 06 Jul 2022 10:40 AM PDT  Authorities say the Highland Park suspect confessed to the mass shooting and contemplated committing a second attack in Wisconsin hours later. Federal charges may be filed against him. Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder “for the killing spree that he has unleashed against our community,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart announced Tuesday evening. Dozens of additional charges centering around each victim, like attempted murder, aggravated battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm, are expected, Rinehart said. Those are expected to be filed later this month. “These seven counts of first-degree murder will lead to a mandatory life sentence should he be convicted without the possibility of parole,” Rinehart said. Crimo appeared in court remotely from the Lake County Jail Wednesday morning.  Crimo said he would not be retaining a lawyer and Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak appointed him a public defender. Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Ben Dillon said during the bond hearing that the ATF conducted an e-trace of the rifle used in the shooting to track it to Crimo and law enforcement officers familiar with Crimo identified him after reviewing surveillance video. Crimo confessed to the shooting at the Highland Park Police Department and admitted to dressing up as a woman to disguise himself, Dillon said. He admitted to “looking down his sights” before opening fire on the crowd. Crimo said he fired two full 30-round magazines before loading a third 30-round magazine and firing, Dillon said. 83 spent shell casings were recovered at the scene. Crimo identified himself on surveillance video and the weapon used, Dillon added. Lake County Assistant Public Defender Gregory Ticsay said Crimo does not have money to post for bond. As prosecutors detailed the allegations against Crimo in bond court, Crimo remained silent and did not react. Prosecutors had filed a petition to hold Crimo without bond due to the man’s “threat to the community.”  Potkonjak granted the petition, ordering Crimo held without bond. Potkonjak scheduled the next court hearing in the case for July 28 for a preliminary hearing. Police and prosecutors held a press conference Wednesday morning after the bond hearing. Rinehart said he has been working with U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois John Lausch throughout the past days to evaluate the information in the case regarding federal charges against Crimo. FBI Director Christopher Wray spoke Tuesday while in London and said federal charges are possible in the case. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Crimo contemplated a second attack in the hours after the Highland Park shooting. Crimo drove to the Madison, Wisconsin area and located a July 4 celebration occurring. He had a second rifle and 60 rounds of ammunition with him at the time. Crimo decided to not go through with the second attack and dumped his cell phone in Wisconsin, which is being processed by the FBI, Covelli said. Rinehart, who called the Highland Park shooting a “premeditated” and “calculated” attack, called for a federal assault weapons ban during the Wednesday press conference. Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified six of the victims killed as Katherine Goldstein, 64, of Highland Park; Irina McCarthy, 35, of Highland Park; Kevin McCarthy, 37, of Highland Park; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63, of Highland Park; Stephen Straus, 88, of Highland Park; and Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78, of Morelos, Mexico. The seventh victim in the incident who died at a hospital on Tuesday was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Eduardo Uvaldo, 69, of Waukegan. At a previous press conference, Covelli said that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks. He allegedly brought a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 40 people, around 10:15 a.m. Monday. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. He then walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as it traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles along with three other guns seized were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Covelli said in a follow-up press conference Tuesday afternoon that law enforcement had two prior encounters with Crimo. One of those occurred in April 2019 when Highland Park police responded to a delayed report from a family member that Crimo attempted suicide. Officers spoke to Crimo and his parents and determined the matter was being handled by mental health professionals, Covelli said. The second encounter was in September 2019 when a family member reported Crimo threatened to “kill everyone.” Police responded and removed 16 knives and other weapons from his residence.  They then notified the Illinois State Police but did not arrest Crimo because there was no probable cause and no criminal complaints were signed, Covelli said. State police said Tuesday evening that they received the “clear and present danger” report regarding threats Crimo made to his family in September 2019, but no one, including his family, wanted to move forward with a criminal complaint. The report also stated that police asked Crimo if he felt like harming himself or others and he said no. Crimo’s father told police the knives were his and they were in Crimo’s closet for storage. Highland Park police later returned the knives to the father the same day of the incident, said. They also did not provide information on threats or Crimo’s mental health that would have allowed police to take more action, state police said. Crimo did not have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card or a pending application for one at the time.  “Once this determination was made, Illinois State Police involvement with the matter was concluded,” state police said. Crimo, who was 19 at the time, later applied for a FOID card in December 2019. His father sponsored the application. When the application was reviewed in January 2020, “there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger and deny the FOID application.” Crimo passed four background checks when purchasing firearms on June 9, 2020; July 18, 2020; July 31, 2020 and September 20, 2021. “The only offense included in the individual's criminal history was an ordinance violation in January 2016 for possession of tobacco,” state police said. There were no mental health prohibitor reports submitted by healthcare facilities or personnel, state police added. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved in the Monday shooting. Investigators will be investigating the case for months to come, Covelli said. The motive for the shooting is still unknown. The post Federal charges possible against Highland Park suspect, who prosecutors say confessed to mass shooting appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Judge orders Highland Park mass shooting suspect held without bond for killings of 7 parade-goers Posted: 06 Jul 2022 08:34 AM PDT   A judge has ordered a 21-year-old man held without bond for allegedly killing seven people and injuring over 45 others who were attending a parade in Highland Park on the Fourth of July. Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder “for the killing spree that he has unleashed against our community,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart announced Tuesday evening. Dozens of additional charges centering around each victim, like attempted murder, aggravated battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm, are expected, Rinehart said. “These seven counts of first-degree murder will lead to a mandatory life sentence should he be convicted without the possibility of parole,” he said. Crimo appeared in court remotely from the Lake County Jail Wednesday morning.  Crimo said he would not be retaining a lawyer and Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak appointed him a public defender. Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Ben Dillon said during the bond hearing that the ATF conducted an e-trace of the rifle used in the shooting to track it to Crimo and law enforcement officers identified Crimo based on surveillance video. Crimo confessed to the shooting at the Highland Park Police Department and admitted to dressing up as a woman to disguise himself. He admitted to opening fire on the crowd and said he fired two full 30-round magazines before loading a third 30-round magazine and firing, Dillon said. Crimo identified himself on surveillance video and the weapon used, Dillon added. Lake County Assistant Public Defender Gregory Ticsay said Crimo does not have money to post for bond. Prosecutors had filed a petition to hold Crimo without bond due to the man’s “threat to the community.” Potkonjak granted the petition, ordering Crimo held without bond. Potkonjak scheduled the next court hearing in the case for July 28 for a preliminary hearing.  Police and prosecutors are expected to hold a press conference later Wednesday morning. Rinehart, who is a resident of Highland Park, recognized the first responders who responded to the shooting and members of the community that reached out to offer assistance, calling it “one of the most uplifting things I have ever seen in Lake County’s history.” He called the shooting a “premeditated” and “calculated” attack. Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the victims as Katherine Goldstein, 64, of Highland Park; Irina McCarthy, 35, of Highland Park; Kevin McCarthy, 37, of Highland Park; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63, of Highland Park; Stephen Straus, 88, of Highland Park; and Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78, of Morelos, Mexico. Autopsies on the six were completed Tuesday at the Lake County Coroner’s Office. The identity of the seventh victim who died at a hospital on Tuesday is being withheld until an autopsy is completed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.  Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 40 people. Over 70 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. He then walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as it traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles along with three other guns seized were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Covelli said in a follow-up press conference Tuesday afternoon that law enforcement had two prior encounters with Crimo. One of those occurred in April 2019 when Highland Park police responded to a delayed report from a family member that Crimo attempted suicide. Officers spoke to Crimo and his parents and determined the matter was being handled by mental health professionals, Covelli said. The second encounter was in September 2019 when a family member reported Crimo threatened to “kill everyone.” Police responded and removed 16 knives and other weapons from his residence. They then notified the Illinois State Police but did not arrest Crimo because there was no probable cause and no criminal complaints were signed, Covelli said. State police said Tuesday evening that they received the “clear and present danger” report regarding threats Crimo made to his family in September 2019, but no one, including his family, wanted to move forward with a criminal complaint. The report also stated that police asked Crimo if he felt like harming himself or others and he said no. Crimo’s father told police the knives were his and they were in Crimo’s closet for storage. Highland Park police later returned the knives to the father the same day of the incident, said. They also did not provide information on threats or Crimo’s mental health that would have allowed police to take more action, state police said. Crimo did not have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card or a pending application for one at the time. “Once this determination was made, Illinois State Police involvement with the matter was concluded,” state police said. Crimo, who was 19 at the time, later applied for a FOID card in December 2019. His father sponsored the application. When the application was reviewed in January 2020, “there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger and deny the FOID application.” Crimo passed four background checks when purchasing firearms on June 9, 2020; July 18, 2020; July 31, 2020 and September 20, 2021. “The only offense included in the individual's criminal history was an ordinance violation in January 2016 for possession of tobacco,” state police said. There were no mental health prohibitor reports submitted by healthcare facilities or personnel, state police added. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved in the Monday shooting. Investigators are continuing to work on the case by conducting interviews and reviewing videos, Covelli said. Crimo is talking to investigators and the motive for the shooting is still unknown. The post Judge orders Highland Park mass shooting suspect held without bond for killings of 7 parade-goers appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Neighbor rescues two dogs from house fire in Cary Posted: 05 Jul 2022 06:27 PM PDT    Authorities say a neighbor suffered smoke inhalation while rescuing two dogs from a house fire in Cary Monday evening. The Cary Fire Protection District responded at 7:12 p.m. Monday to the 6500 block of Pheasant Trail in unincorporated Cary for a report of a house fire. The first fire unit arrived two minutes later and found heavy smoke showing from the rear of the one-story residence, Cary Fire Protection District Lieutenant Michael Douglass said. The rear of the house was on fire and spreading. Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire attack, Douglass said.  The fire was extinguished within 30 minutes and crews remained on scene to conduct overhaul. Water tenders, which carry a large amount of water, were used to establish a water supply because there were no fire hydrants in the area, Douglass said. Firefighters determined the homeowners were not at the house when the fire occurred, but a neighbor rescued two dogs from the residence prior to fire department arrival. Paramedics evaluated the neighbor for smoke inhalation, but they refused transport to the hospital, Douglass said.  No firefighters were injured and the house is uninhabitable due to smoke and fire damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the fire is not considered suspicious, Douglass added. The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills, Barrington, Barrington Countryside, Fox River Grove, Nunda Rural and Wauconda fire departments assisted the Cary Fire Protection District at the scene. The post Neighbor rescues two dogs from house fire in Cary appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 05 Jul 2022 04:51 PM PDT A 2-year-old child who was separated from his parents when they were shot and killed during the Highland Park parade mass shooting has been reunited with his grandparents. Aiden McCarthy, 2, was found by a bystander following the chaos of the Monday morning incident. The boy did not know his or his parents’ names. Aiden was attending the Independence Day parade with his parents, Irina McCarthy, 35, and Kevin McCarthy, 37. The two McCarthys, who were Highland Park residents, were confirmed to be among the seven dead victims, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek. A GoFundMe account created Tuesday has raised over $950,000 for the young boy. Aiden will be raised by his grandparents, Misha and Nina Levberg, and he will have a “long road ahead to heal, find stability, and ultimately navigate life as an orphan.” The boy is surrounded by a community of friends and extended family that “will embrace him with love, and any means available to ensure he has everything he needs as he grows,” according to the account. The fundraiser was started to help Aiden and his grandparents with financial expenses. Police have said that Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, was responsible for the shooting that occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. He was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder Tuesday evening, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. Many additional charges will be filed against Crimo, Rinehart said. “Our hearts go out to the seven families who lost loved ones yesterday. Dozens of people have already volunteered to support these families, and I know that Mayor Rotering, Chief Jogmen, Lake County, and our federal partners have already started the critical work of supporting these families who are most in need right now,” Rinehart said. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 45 people. Over 70 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. Crimo walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as it traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles along with three other guns seized were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Covelli said in a follow-up press conference that law enforcement had two prior encounters with Crimo. One of those occurred in April 2019 when Highland Park police responded to a delayed report from a family member that Crimo attempted suicide. Officers spoke to Crimo and his parents and determined the matter was being handled by mental health professionals, Covelli said. The second encounter was in September 2019 when a family member reported Crimo threatened to “kill everyone.” Police responded and removed 16 knives and other weapons from his residence. They then notified the Illinois State Police but officers did not arrest Crimo. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved in the Monday shooting. The post 2-year-old boy reunited with grandparents after both of his parents killed in Highland Park parade shooting appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 05 Jul 2022 03:51 PM PDT   Prosecutors have announced first-degree murder charges against the 21-year-old man who allegedly killed seven people and injured dozens of others in a mass shooting in Highland Park on the Fourth of July. Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder “for the killing spree that he has unleashed against our community,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart announced Tuesday evening. “Dozens” of more charges centering around each victim, like attempted murder, aggravated battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm, are expected, Rinehart said. “These seven counts of first-degree murder will lead to a mandatory life sentence should he be convicted without the possibility of parole.” Crimo is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing Wednesday morning, where Rinehart said his office will ask Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak to have Crimo held without bond. Rinehart, who is a resident of Highland Park, recognized the first responders who responded to the shooting and members of the community that reached out to offer assistance, calling it “one of the most uplifting things I have ever seen in Lake County’s history.” He called the shooting a “premeditated” and “calculated” attack. Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the victims as Katherine Goldstein, 64, of Highland Park; Irina McCarthy, 35, of Highland Park; Kevin McCarthy, 37, of Highland Park; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63, of Highland Park; Stephen Straus, 88, of Highland Park; and Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78, of Morelos, Mexico. Autopsies on the six are being completed Tuesday at the Lake County Coroner’s Office. The identity of the seventh victim who died at a hospital on Tuesday is being withheld until an autopsy is completed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Police have named Crimo as a person of interest in the shooting. He was arrested in Lake Forest around 6:30 p.m. Monday. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 40 people. Over 70 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. He then walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as it traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles along with three other guns seized were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Covelli said in a follow-up press conference Tuesday afternoon that law enforcement had two prior encounters with Crimo. One of those occurred in April 2019 when Highland Park police responded to a delayed report from a family member that Crimo attempted suicide. Officers spoke to Crimo and his parents and determined the matter was being handled by mental health professionals, Covelli said. The second encounter was in September 2019 when a family member reported Crimo threatened to “kill everyone.” Police responded and removed 16 knives and other weapons from his residence. They then notified the Illinois State Police but did not arrest Crimo because there was no probable cause and no criminal complaints were signed, Covelli said. State police said Tuesday evening that they received the “clear and present danger” report regarding threats Crimo made to his family in September 2019, but no one, including his family, wanted to move forward with a criminal complaint. The report also stated that police asked Crimo if he felt like harming himself or others and he said no. Crimo’s father told police the knives were his and they were in Crimo’s closet for storage. Highland Park police later returned the knives to the father the same day of the incident, said. They also did not provide information on threats or Crimo’s mental health that would have allowed police to take more action, state police said. Crimo did not have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card or a pending application for one at the time. “Once this determination was made, Illinois State Police involvement with the matter was concluded,” state police said. Crimo, who was 19 at the time, later applied for a FOID card in December 2019. His father sponsored the application. When the application was reviewed in January 2020, “there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger and deny the FOID application.” Crimo passed four background checks when purchasing firearms on June 9, 2020; July 18, 2020; July 31, 2020 and September 20, 2021. “The only offense included in the individual's criminal history was an ordinance violation in January 2016 for possession of tobacco,” state police said. There were no mental health prohibitor reports submitted by healthcare facilities or personnel, state police added. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved in the Monday shooting. Investigators are continuing to work on the case by conducting interviews and reviewing videos, Covelli said. Crimo is talking to investigators and the motive for the shooting is still unknown. Toledo was a grandfather of “many” and father of eight who attended the parade in what was supposed to be a “fun family day,” Xochil Toledo said, adding that it “turned into a horrific nightmare for us all.” Sundheim was a lifelong resident of North Shore Congregation Israel and previously taught at Gates of Learning Preschool, according to North Shore Congregation Israel. “Jacki's work, kindness and warmth touched us all, from her early days teaching at the Gates of Learning Preschool to guiding innumerable among us through life's moments of joy and sorrow as our Events and B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator– all of this with tireless dedication,” the congregation said in a statement. “There are no words sufficient to express the depth of our grief for Jacki's death and sympathy for her family and loved ones. We know you join us in the deepest prayer that Jacki's soul will be bound up in the shelter of God's wings and her family will somehow find comfort and consolation amidst this boundless grief,” the statement added.  Highland Park Police Department Commander Chris O’Neill said the shooting occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. An Independence Day parade was in progress on the street when police officers, who were standing by at the event, heard gunfire, O’Neill said. Police attempted to locate the source of the shooting and found numerous people shot. A coordinated response with the fire department was initiated and a police perimeter was set up, O’Neill said. Firearm evidence, including a rifle, was located on a rooftop of a business and secured, he said. O’Neill said the shooting was a random act of violence. Covelli said initial indications show the suspect was “discreet” and hard to see on the roof of a business when he opened fire on the crowd using a high-powered rifle. Numerous attendees who were attending the Fourth of July parade reported hearing gunfire and people began running for safety. Some people said the shots sounded like fireworks. Some attendees said the gunman was on the roof of Uncle Dan’s Camping and Travel, 621 Central Avenue. Five victims died at the scene and two other victims died at local hospitals, Covelli said.  Covelli said hospitals throughout Lake and Cook counties received patients from the incident, with conditions ranging from critical to serious. Highland Park Fire Chief Joe Schrage said that six patients were transported to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and seven patients were transported to Evanston Hospital. A spokesperson for NorthShore University HealthSystem said they received 39 patients at Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie hospitals. Some of them arrived by ambulance and others were self-transported by car. A spokesperson for Northwestern Medicine said that Lake Forest Hospital received nine victims from the incident. Six of the nine were gunshot victims.  The total number of injured victims treated at hospitals is believed to be at least 48. NorthShore University HealthSystem Dr. Brigham Temple said that Highland Park Hospital activated “code yellow,” which means mass casualty event, after receiving notification of the shooting Monday morning. Within a short amount of time, numerous ambulances began showing up at the hospital with patients. Nearly all of the victims at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds. Temple said at least four or five children treated at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds. One of the children was critically injured and underwent surgery. That child was then flown to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. There were a number of “heroic actions” by members of the community, police and paramedics who rushed in immediately following the shooting to provide aid to the injured, Covelli said. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spoke during a press conference Monday evening where he began by crediting the actions of law enforcement who ran toward the gunshots. “[…] lives were saved because the Highland Park Police courageously protected and served their community.” Pritzker vowed to residents of Highland Park that the suspect would be brought to justice. He also said that he spoke with President Joe Biden who pledged all support the White House could provide. “The President agrees with me: This madness must stop,” Pritzker said. “There are no words for the kind of evil that shows up at a public celebration of freedom, hides on a roof and shoots innocent people with an assault rifle. There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain of those families who will no longer associate the 4th of July with celebration, but instead with grief,” Pritzker said. “It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague. A day dedicated to freedom has put into stark relief the one freedom we as a nation refuse to uphold – the freedom of our fellow citizens to live without the daily fear of gun violence,” the governor said. Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said she was “without words to respond to, yet again, another act of senseless violence, that this time has occurred right here in Lake County.”  “My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones, the Highland Park community, and its leadership, and to those who responded today and continue to do so, to this horrific event. Lake County and our partnering agencies stand with and beside you through it all to provide the support that is needed,” Hart said. The Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Highland Park Police Department and FBI are leading the investigation into the incident. Covelli said “hundreds” of law enforcement officers swarmed the area Monday as a manhunt began for the suspect. Anyone with first-hand information about Crimo is urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, police officials said.  Congressman Brad Schneider said he and his campaign team were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. “My team and I are safe and secure,” Schneider said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor. Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!” he added. The post Prosecutors file first-degree murder charges against alleged gunman who killed 7, injured dozens in Highland Park mass shooting appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 05 Jul 2022 02:08 PM PDT   Police say charges will be announced this evening against a 21-year-old man as the coroner has released the identities of six of the seven victims killed in the mass shooting in Highland Park. Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the victims as Katherine Goldstein, 64, of Highland Park; Irina McCarthy, 35, of Highland Park; Kevin McCarthy, 37, of Highland Park; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63, of Highland Park; Stephen Straus, 88, of Highland Park; and Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78, of Morelos, Mexico. Autopsies on the six are being completed today at the Lake County Coroner’s Office. The identity of the seventh victim who died at a hospital on Tuesday is being withheld until an autopsy is completed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Police have named Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, as a person of interest in the shooting. He was arrested in Lake Forest around 6:30 p.m. Monday. Charges are expected to be announced against Crimo during a press conference at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in downtown Highland Park. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 40 people. Over 70 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. Crimo walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as it traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles along with three other guns seized were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Covelli said in a follow-up press conference that law enforcement had two prior encounters with Crimo. One of those occurred in April 2019 when Highland Park police responded to a delayed report from a family member that Crimo attempted suicide. Officers spoke to Crimo and his parents and determined the matter was being handled by mental health professionals, Covelli said. The second encounter was in September 2019 when a family member reported Crimo threatened to “kill everyone.” Police responded and removed 16 knives and other weapons from his residence. They then notified the Illinois State Police but did not arrest Crimo. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved in the Monday shooting. Investigators are continuing to work on the case by conducting interviews and reviewing videos, Covelli said. Toledo was a grandfather of “many” and father of eight who attended the parade in what was supposed to be a “fun family day,” Xochil Toledo said, adding that it “turned into a horrific nightmare for us all.” Sundheim was a lifelong resident of North Shore Congregation Israel and previously taught at Gates of Learning Preschool, according to North Shore Congregation Israel. “Jacki's work, kindness and warmth touched us all, from her early days teaching at the Gates of Learning Preschool to guiding innumerable among us through life's moments of joy and sorrow as our Events and B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator– all of this with tireless dedication,” the congregation said in a statement. “There are no words sufficient to express the depth of our grief for Jacki's death and sympathy for her family and loved ones. We know you join us in the deepest prayer that Jacki's soul will be bound up in the shelter of God's wings and her family will somehow find comfort and consolation amidst this boundless grief,” the statement added. Highland Park Police Department Commander Chris O’Neill said the shooting occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. An Independence Day parade was in progress on the street when police officers, who were standing by at the event, heard gunfire, O’Neill said. Police attempted to locate the source of the shooting and found numerous people shot. A coordinated response with the fire department was initiated and a police perimeter was set up, O’Neill said. Firearm evidence, including a rifle, was located on a rooftop of a business and secured, he said. O’Neill said the shooting was a random act of violence. Covelli said initial indications show the suspect was “discreet” and hard to see on the roof of a business when he opened fire on the crowd using a high-powered rifle. Numerous attendees who were attending the Fourth of July parade reported hearing gunfire and people began running for safety. Some people said the shots sounded like fireworks. Some attendees said the gunman was on the roof of Uncle Dan’s Camping and Travel, 621 Central Avenue. Five victims died at the scene and two other victims died at local hospitals, Covelli said. Covelli said hospitals throughout Lake and Cook counties received patients from the incident, with conditions ranging from critical to serious. Highland Park Fire Chief Joe Schrage said that six patients were transported to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and seven patients were transported to Evanston Hospital. A spokesperson for NorthShore University HealthSystem said they received 39 patients at Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie hospitals. Some of them arrived by ambulance and others were self-transported by car. A spokesperson for Northwestern Medicine said that Lake Forest Hospital received nine victims from the incident. Six of the nine were gunshot victims. The total number of injured victims treated at hospitals is believed to be at least 48. NorthShore University HealthSystem Dr. Brigham Temple said that Highland Park Hospital activated “code yellow,” which means mass casualty event, after receiving notification of the shooting Monday morning. Within a short amount of time, numerous ambulances began showing up at the hospital with patients. Nearly all of the victims at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds. Temple said at least four or five children treated at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds. One of the children was critically injured and underwent surgery. That child was then flown to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. There were a number of “heroic actions” by members of the community, police and paramedics who rushed in immediately following the shooting to provide aid to the injured, Covelli said. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spoke during a press conference Monday evening where he began by crediting the actions of law enforcement who ran toward the gunshots. “[…] lives were saved because the Highland Park Police courageously protected and served their community.” Pritzker vowed to residents of Highland Park that the suspect would be brought to justice. He also said that he spoke with President Joe Biden who pledged all support the White House could provide. “The President agrees with me: This madness must stop,” Pritzker said. “There are no words for the kind of evil that shows up at a public celebration of freedom, hides on a roof and shoots innocent people with an assault rifle. There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain of those families who will no longer associate the 4th of July with celebration, but instead with grief,” Pritzker said. “It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague. A day dedicated to freedom has put into stark relief the one freedom we as a nation refuse to uphold – the freedom of our fellow citizens to live without the daily fear of gun violence,” the governor said. Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said she was “without words to respond to, yet again, another act of senseless violence, that this time has occurred right here in Lake County.” “My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones, the Highland Park community, and its leadership, and to those who responded today and continue to do so, to this horrific event. Lake County and our partnering agencies stand with and beside you through it all to provide the support that is needed,” Hart said. The Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Highland Park Police Department and FBI are leading the investigation into the incident. Covelli said “hundreds” of law enforcement officers swarmed the area Monday as a manhunt began for the suspect. Anyone with first-hand information about Crimo is urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, police officials said. Congressman Brad Schneider said he and his campaign team were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. “My team and I are safe and secure,” Schneider said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor. Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!” he added. The post Charges to be announced against alleged Highland Park shooter; coroner identities of 6 of 7 victims killed appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 05 Jul 2022 12:28 PM PDT   A seventh victim has died after a mass shooting in Highland Park on the Fourth of July, authorities said. Some of the victims have been identified. The seventh victim, who has not been publicly identified, died at Evanston Hospital on Tuesday, law enforcement told Lake and McHenry County Scanner. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is scheduling an autopsy on the man. Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, who was named as a person of interest in the Monday mass shooting, was arrested in Lake Forest around 6:30 p.m. Monday. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said Tuesday that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring over 40 people. Over 70 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. Crimo walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles recovered were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved. Crimo remains held in custody as of Tuesday morning and has not been charged yet. Investigators are continuing to work on the case by conducting interviews and reviewing videos, Covelli said. Family and friends have identified Nicolas Toledo, 76, of Highland Park, and Jacki Sundheim, 63, of Highland Park, as two of the victims killed. Toledo was a grandfather of “many” and father of eight who attended the parade in what was supposed to be a “fun family day,” Xochil Toledo said, adding that it “turned into a horrific nightmare for us all.” Sundheim was a lifelong resident of North Shore Congregation Israel and previously taught at Gates of Learning Preschool, according to North Shore Congregation Israel. “Jacki's work, kindness and warmth touched us all, from her early days teaching at the Gates of Learning Preschool to guiding innumerable among us through life's moments of joy and sorrow as our Events and B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator– all of this with tireless dedication,” the congregation said in a statement. “There are no words sufficient to express the depth of our grief for Jacki's death and sympathy for her family and loved ones. We know you join us in the deepest prayer that Jacki's soul will be bound up in the shelter of God's wings and her family will somehow find comfort and consolation amidst this boundless grief,” the statement added. Highland Park Police Department Commander Chris O’Neill said the shooting occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. An Independence Day parade was in progress on the street when police officers, who were standing by at the event, heard gunfire, O’Neill said. Police attempted to locate the source of the shooting and found numerous people shot. A coordinated response with the fire department was initiated and a police perimeter was set up, O’Neill said. Firearm evidence, including a rifle, was located on a rooftop of a business and secured, he said. O’Neill said the shooting was a random act of violence. Covelli said initial indications show the suspect was “discreet” and hard to see on the roof of a business when he opened fire on the crowd using a high-powered rifle. Numerous attendees who were attending the Fourth of July parade reported hearing gunfire and people began running for safety. Some people said the shots sounded like fireworks. Some attendees said the gunman was on the roof of Uncle Dan’s Camping and Travel, 621 Central Avenue. Five victims died at the scene and two other victims died at local hospitals, Covelli said, adding it is a “very sad day.” The Lake County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the deceased victims, whose ages were not immediately known. The five who died at the scene were all adults, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said. The age of the sixth and seventh victims who died at hospitals were not known. Covelli said hospitals throughout Lake and Cook counties received patients from the incident, with conditions ranging from critical to serious. Highland Park Fire Chief Joe Schrage said that six patients were transported to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and seven patients were transported to Evanston Hospital. A spokesperson for NorthShore University HealthSystem said they received 39 patients at Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie hospitals. Some of them arrived by ambulance and others were self-transported by car. A spokesperson for Northwestern Medicine said that Lake Forest Hospital received nine victims from the incident. Six of the nine were gunshot victims. The total number of injured victims treated at hospitals is believed to be at least 48. NorthShore University HealthSystem Dr. Brigham Temple said that Highland Park Hospital activated “code yellow,” which means mass casualty event, after receiving notification of the shooting Monday morning. Within a short amount of time, numerous ambulances began showing up at the hospital with patients. Nearly all of the victims at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds. Temple said at least four or five children treated at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds. One of the children was critically injured and underwent surgery. That child was then flown to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. There were a number of “heroic actions” by members of the community, police and paramedics who rushed in immediately following the shooting to provide aid to the injured, Covelli said. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spoke during a press conference Monday evening where he began by crediting the actions of law enforcement who ran toward the gunshots. “[…] lives were saved because the Highland Park Police courageously protected and served their community.” Pritzker vowed to residents of Highland Park that the suspect would be brought to justice. He also said that he spoke with President Joe Biden who pledged all support the White House could provide. “The President agrees with me: This madness must stop,” Pritzker said. “There are no words for the kind of evil that shows up at a public celebration of freedom, hides on a roof and shoots innocent people with an assault rifle. There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain of those families who will no longer associate the 4th of July with celebration, but instead with grief,” Pritzker said. “It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague. A day dedicated to freedom has put into stark relief the one freedom we as a nation refuse to uphold – the freedom of our fellow citizens to live without the daily fear of gun violence,” the governor said. Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said she was “without words to respond to, yet again, another act of senseless violence, that this time has occurred right here in Lake County.” “My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones, the Highland Park community, and its leadership, and to those who responded today and continue to do so, to this horrific event. Lake County and our partnering agencies stand with and beside you through it all to provide the support that is needed,” Hart said. The Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Highland Park Police Department and FBI are leading the investigation into the incident. Covelli said “hundreds” of law enforcement officers swarmed the area Monday as a manhunt began for the suspect. Anyone with information on the shooting or those who have video are urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, police officials said. Congressman Brad Schneider said he and his campaign team were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. “My team and I are safe and secure,” Schneider said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor. Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!” he added. The post 7th victim dies after mass shooting at Fourth of July parade in Highland Park; some victims identified appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Severe thunderstorms could bring torrential rainfall, 75 mph winds Tuesday in northern Illinois Posted: 05 Jul 2022 11:28 AM PDT   The National Weather Service says that severe storms capable of producing 75 mph winds and torrential rain are expected Tuesday afternoon into the evening in northern Illinois. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a hazardous weather outlook around 12 p.m. Tuesday. The outlook covers Cook, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, Ogle, Will Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois and Ford counties. The alert said that “explosive thunderstorm” development is expected Tuesday afternoon over northeast and eventually most of northern Illinois into northwest Indiana. Some of the storms could become severe with the primary threat being damaging winds up to 75 mph, the NWS said. Some of the thunderstorms could produce torrential rainfall, which could result in localized flash flooding problems. Heat indices could reach 105 to 110 degrees Tuesday, the NWS said. The storms are expected to develop in the area between 3-5 p.m. with coverage expanding south and west into the early evening. Additional storms, some severe, are expected area-wide later Tuesday evening into the overnight hours. The NWS has also issued a flood watch for the Chicago metro area and Rockford area due to this evening’s heavy rainfall. The post Severe thunderstorms could bring torrential rainfall, 75 mph winds Tuesday in northern Illinois appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 05 Jul 2022 09:56 AM PDT   Police say a 21-year-old man planned the Highland Park mass shooting for weeks and dressed as a woman when he fired more than 70 rounds into the parade crowd, killing six people and injuring dozens. Robert E. Crimo III, 21, of Highwood, who was named as a person of interest in the case, was arrested in Lake Forest around 6:30 p.m. Monday. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said Tuesday that Crimo pre-planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo allegedly brought a high-powered rifle to the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. Covelli said that Crimo used a fire escape ladder to access the roof of a building on the parade route. Crimo then allegedly opened fire on parade-goers, killing six people and injuring over 40 people. Over 70 rounds were fired from the rifle. Crimo, who was dressed as a woman, exited the roof, dropped the rifle and escaped with the fleeing crowd, according to Covelli. Crimo walked to his mother’s Highland Park home, which is nearby the parade route, and borrowed her silver 2010 Honda Fit, Covelli said. A person spotted the wanted Honda Fit as traveled southbound on Route 41 in North Chicago around 6:30 p.m. Monday as an intense manhunt was underway. The person called 911 and a North Chicago police officer who was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago spotted Crimo drive past in the vehicle, Covelli and Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. A short pursuit ensued and it came to an end at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest. Officers arrested Crimo and located a second rifle in his vehicle. The two rifles recovered were legally purchased by Crimo himself. Covelli said there are no indications anyone else was involved. Crimo remains held in custody as of Tuesday morning and has not been charged yet. Investigators are continuing to work on the case by conducting interviews and reviewing videos, Covelli said. Highland Park Police Department Commander Chris O’Neill said the shooting occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. An Independence Day parade was in progress on the street when police officers, who were standing by at the event, heard gunfire, O’Neill said. Police attempted to locate the source of the shooting and found numerous people shot. A coordinated response with the fire department was initiated and a police perimeter was set up, O’Neill said. Firearm evidence, including a rifle, was located on a rooftop of a business and secured, he said. O’Neill said the shooting was a random act of violence. Covelli said initial indications show the suspect was “discreet” and hard to see on the roof of a business when he opened fire on the crowd using a high-powered rifle. Numerous attendees who were attending the Fourth of July parade reported hearing gunfire and people began running for safety. Some people said the shots sounded like fireworks. Some attendees said the gunman was on the roof of Uncle Dan’s Camping and Travel, 621 Central Avenue. Five victims died at the scene and the sixth deceased victim died at a hospital, Covelli said, adding it is a “very sad day.”  The Lake County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the deceased victims, whose ages were not immediately known. The five who died at the scene were all adults, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said. The age of the sixth victim who died at the hospital was not known. Covelli said hospitals throughout Lake and Cook counties received patients from the incident, with conditions ranging from critical to serious. NorthShore University HealthSystem initially said 26 patients arrived at Highland Park Hospital. Highland Park Fire Chief Joe Schrage said that in addition to the 26 patients at Highland Park Hospital, six patients were transported to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and seven patients were transported to Evanston Hospital. NorthShore University HealthSystem Dr. Brigham Temple said that Highland Park Hospital activated “code yellow,” which means mass casualty event, after receiving notification of the shooting Monday morning. Within a short amount of time, numerous ambulances began showing up at the hospital with patients. Of the 26 who arrived at Highland Park Hospital, 10 victims were transported by ambulance and 16 others were self-transported to the hospital, Temple said. 25 of the 26 victims at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds and had varying conditions. 19 of the 25 gunshot victims had been treated and discharged, Temple said Monday afternoon. Temple said the ages of the victims at Highland Park Hospital ranged from eight to 85 years old. At least four or five children sustained gunshot wounds. One of the children was critically injured and underwent surgery. That child was then flown to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. The injury toll is believed to be over 40. An exact number is expected to be released later Tuesday. There were a number of “heroic actions” by members of the community, police and paramedics who rushed in immediately following the shooting to provide aid to the injured, Covelli said. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spoke during a press conference Monday evening where he began by crediting the actions of law enforcement who ran toward the gunshots. “[…] lives were saved because the Highland Park Police courageously protected and served their community.” Pritzker vowed to residents of Highland Park that the suspect would be brought to justice. He also said that he spoke with President Joe Biden who pledged all support the White House could provide. “The President agrees with me: This madness must stop,” Pritzker said. “There are no words for the kind of evil that shows up at a public celebration of freedom, hides on a roof and shoots innocent people with an assault rifle. There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain of those families who will no longer associate the 4th of July with celebration, but instead with grief,” Pritzker said. “It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague. A day dedicated to freedom has put into stark relief the one freedom we as a nation refuse to uphold – the freedom of our fellow citizens to live without the daily fear of gun violence,” the governor said. Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said she was “without words to respond to, yet again, another act of senseless violence, that this time has occurred right here in Lake County.” “My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones, the Highland Park community, and its leadership, and to those who responded today and continue to do so, to this horrific event. Lake County and our partnering agencies stand with and beside you through it all to provide the support that is needed,” Hart said. The Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Highland Park Police Department and FBI are leading the investigation into the incident. Covelli said “hundreds” of law enforcement officers swarmed the area Monday as a manhunt began for the suspect. Anyone with information on the shooting or those who have video are urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, police officials said. Congressman Brad Schneider said he and his campaign team were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. “My team and I are safe and secure,” Schneider said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor. Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!” he added. The post Police say gunman planned Highland Park mass shooting for weeks, fired more than 70 rounds into crowd appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| No injuries after barn found fully engulfed in flames near Woodstock Posted: 05 Jul 2022 07:28 AM PDT    Fire officials say no injuries were reported after a barn was destroyed when it became fully engulfed in flames early Monday morning near Woodstock. The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded around 5:18 a.m. Monday to the 1000 block of South Rose Farm Road in unincorporated Woodstock for a report of a structure fire. Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said a motorist driving by called 911 after noticing a barn on fire. Firefighters arrived within five minutes and confirmed a 25-foot by 55-foot barn was fully engulfed.  Firefighters quickly established water supply operations at the roadway while simultaneously engaging in a defensive fire attack, Vucha said. The area does not have fire hydrants and firefighters had to shuttle in water. The fire was declared under control within 30 minutes. Overhaul and hot spot mitigation continued for an additional two hours, Vucha said. No injuries were reported and no animals were believed to be living in the barn. The barn and contents were determined to be a complete loss with preliminary damage estimates of $50,000. The fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature but it remains under investigation by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. The post No injuries after barn found fully engulfed in flames near Woodstock appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Person of interest in custody after mass shooting that left 6 dead, dozens injured in Highland Park Posted: 04 Jul 2022 05:00 PM PDT   A 22-year-old man who is alleged to have killed six people and injured dozens in a shooting in Highland Park is in custody following a police pursuit in Lake County, police said. Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said that Robert E. Crimo III, 22, was taken into custody at Route 41 and Westleigh Road in Lake Forest around 6:30 p.m. Monday. A North Chicago police officer was sitting at Route 41 and Buckley Road in North Chicago when he spotted Crimo’s silver 2010 Honda Fit drive past, Jogmen said. A short police pursuit ensued before Crimo was taken into custody. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said Crimo, who lives in the Highland Park area, was considered armed and dangerous.  Covelli said the investigation is still ongoing and charges have not been filed yet. The FBI released a photo Monday evening of Crimo and a surveillance photo showing the rear of his Honda. The FBI said Crimo was allegedly involved in the Highland Park parade shooting Monday morning. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spoke during a press conference Monday evening where he began by crediting the actions of law enforcement who ran toward the gunshots. “[…] lives were saved because the Highland Park Police courageously protected and served their community.” Pritzker vowed to residents of Highland Park that the suspect would be brought to justice. He also said that he spoke with President Joe Biden who pledged all support the White House could provide. “The President agrees with me: This madness must stop,” Pritzker said. “There are no words for the kind of evil that shows up at a public celebration of freedom, hides on a roof and shoots innocent people with an assault rifle. There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain of those families who will no longer associate the 4th of July with celebration, but instead with grief,” Pritzker said. “It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague. A day dedicated to freedom has put into stark relief the one freedom we as a nation refuse to uphold – the freedom of our fellow citizens to live without the daily fear of gun violence,” the governor said. During a separate press conference, NorthShore University HealthSystem Dr. Brigham Temple said that Highland Park Hospital activated “code yellow,” which means mass casualty event, after receiving notification of the shooting Monday morning. Within a short amount of time, numerous ambulances began showing up at the hospital with patients. 10 victims were transported to Highland Park Hospital by ambulance and 16 others were self-transported to the hospital, Temple said. 25 of the 26 victims at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds and had varying conditions. 19 of the 25 gunshot victims have since been treated and discharged, Temple said. Only two patients remain at Highland Park Hospital after several were transferred to other hospitals. Temple said the ages of the victims ranged from eight to 85 years old. At least four or five children sustained gunshot wounds. One of the children was critically injured and underwent surgery. That child was then flown to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago.  Highland Park Fire Chief Joe Schrage said that in addition to the 26 patients at Highland Park Hospital, six patients were transported to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and seven patients were transported to Evanston Hospital, bringing the total number injured to at least 39. Highland Park Police Department Commander Chris O’Neill said the shooting occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. An Independence Day parade was in progress on the street when police officers, who were standing by at the event, heard gunfire, O’Neill said. Police attempted to locate the source of the shooting and found numerous people shot. A coordinated response with the fire department was initiated and a police perimeter was set up, O’Neill said. “Firearm evidence,” including a rifle, was located on a rooftop of a business and secured, he said. O’Neill said the shooting was a random act of violence and an active search is still underway for the suspect. The suspect is believed to have acted alone. O’Neill said six people have died so far. Covelli said hospitals throughout Lake and Cook counties received patients from the incident, with conditions ranging from critical to serious.  Covelli said the shooting was “completely random.” Law enforcement is “aggressively looking” for the suspect and anyone who took video or photos from the parade is asked to review them and send them to police. Business owners in the area are also urged to review their security camera footage. Covelli said initial indications show the suspect was “discreet” and hard to see on the roof of a business when he opened fire using a high-powered rifle. Five victims died at the scene and the sixth deceased victim died at a hospital, Covelli said, adding it is a “very sad day.” There were a number of “heroic actions” by members of the community, police and paramedics who rushed in immediately following the shooting to provide aid to the injured, Covelli added. Residents have been urged to stay inside and call the police if they see anything as police continued their manhunt for the suspect into Monday evening. Federal agencies, including the FBI, are on the scene actively assisting, Covelli said. SWAT teams are going door to door in the area. Covelli said “hundreds” of law enforcement officers have swarmed the area. Anyone with active information regarding suspicious activity should call 911. Anyone with delayed information on the shooting or those who have video are urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, police officials said. Numerous attendees who were attending the Fourth of July parade reported hearing gunfire and people began running for safety. Some people said the shots sounded like fireworks. Some attendees said the gunman was on the roof of Uncle Dan’s Camping and Travel, 621 Central Avenue. Even though a rifle was recovered by police, the suspect is still considered armed and dangerous, Covelli said. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the second alarm level, bringing over a dozen ambulances and other fire department units to the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the deceased victims, whose ages were not immediately known. The five who died at the scene were all adults, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said. The age of the sixth victim who died at the hospital was not known. A family and friends reunification site has been set up at the Highland Park Police Department, 1677 Old Deerfield Road.  The Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Highland Park Police Department and FBI are leading the investigation into the incident. City officials said all Fourth of July activities have been canceled and that people should avoid downtown Highland Park. Those in the downtown area were previously told to shelter in place, Highland Park Communications Manager Amanda Civitello said. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in an alert that they were assisting Highland Park police with the shooting and asked everyone to avoid the area so law enforcement and first responders could work the scene. The Illinois State Police said on Twitter that they were assisting with the “active shooter situation” in Highland Park.  Officials for the Village of Deerfield, which is next to Highland Park, said on social media that their Family Days activities had been cleared and their parade canceled due to the shooting in Highland Park. Several other nearby communities also canceled their Fourth of July activities. Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said she was “without words to respond to, yet again, another act of senseless violence, that this time has occurred right here in Lake County.” “My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones, the Highland Park community, and its leadership, and to those who responded today and continue to do so, to this horrific event. Lake County and our partnering agencies stand with and beside you through it all to provide the support that is needed,” Hart said. Congressman Brad Schneider said he and his campaign team were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. “My team and I are safe and secure,” Schneider said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor. Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!” he added. Lake County Board member Paul Frank, whose district covers most of Highland Park, said he was “horrified by this inhumane violence.” “This parade is a family event and supposed to be a celebration. Today our community is mourning and in shock. I pray for the victims; their families and that our country will find the strength to protect our safety. I’m grateful for the offers of support from all our community leaders and fellow county board members who have reached out,” Frank said. The post Person of interest in custody after mass shooting that left 6 dead, dozens injured in Highland Park appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
| Posted: 04 Jul 2022 04:43 PM PDT Governor JB Pritzker said that he is furious that an “evil” gunman took the lives of six people and injured at least 39 others during a parade in Highland Park. He called for action on gun violence. Pritzker spoke during a press conference Monday evening where he began by crediting the actions of law enforcement who ran toward the gunshots. “[…] lives were saved because the Highland Park Police courageously protected and served their community.” Pritzker vowed to residents of Highland Park that the suspect would be brought to justice. He also said that he spoke with President Joe Biden who pledged all support the White House could provide. “The President agrees with me: This madness must stop,” Pritzker said. “There are no words for the kind of evil that shows up at a public celebration of freedom, hides on a roof and shoots innocent people with an assault rifle. There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain of those families who will no longer associate the 4th of July with celebration, but instead with grief,” Pritzker said. “It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague. A day dedicated to freedom has put into stark relief the one freedom we as a nation refuse to uphold – the freedom of our fellow citizens to live without the daily fear of gun violence,” the governor said. Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said that Robert E. Crimo III, 22, is wanted as a person of interest in the shooting. Jogmen said that Crimo is possibly driving a silver 2010 Honda Fit with Illinois registration DM80653. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said Crimo, who lives in the area, is considered armed and dangerous. Numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are working on apprehending Crimo. The FBI released a photo Monday evening of Crimo and a surveillance photo showing the rear of his Honda. Crimo has tattoos consisting of four tally marks with a line through them on his right cheek, red roses and green leaves on his neck, and cursive script above his left eyebrow, according to the FBI. Crimo has ties to the Rockford, DeKalb and Elgin areas. During a separate press conference, NorthShore University HealthSystem Dr. Brigham Temple said that Highland Park Hospital activated “code yellow,” which means mass casualty event, after receiving notification of the shooting Monday morning. Within a short amount of time, numerous ambulances began showing up at the hospital with patients. 10 victims were transported to Highland Park Hospital by ambulance and 16 others were self-transported to the hospital, Temple said. 25 of the 26 victims at Highland Park Hospital sustained gunshot wounds and had varying conditions. 19 of the 25 gunshot victims have since been treated and discharged, Temple said. Only two patients remain at Highland Park Hospital after several were transferred to other hospitals. Temple said the ages of the victims ranged from eight to 85 years old. At least four or five children sustained gunshot wounds. One of the children was critically injured and underwent surgery. That child was then flown to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Highland Park Fire Chief Joe Schrage said that in addition to the 26 patients at Highland Park Hospital, six patients were transported to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and seven patients were transported to Evanston Hospital, bringing the total number injured to at least 39. Highland Park Police Department Commander Chris O’Neill said the shooting occurred around 10:14 a.m. Monday near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park. An Independence Day parade was in progress on the street when police officers, who were standing by at the event, heard gunfire, O’Neill said. Police attempted to locate the source of the shooting and found numerous people shot. A coordinated response with the fire department was initiated and a police perimeter was set up, O’Neill said. “Firearm evidence,” including a rifle, was located on a rooftop of a business and secured, he said. O’Neill said the shooting was a random act of violence and an active search is still underway for the suspect. The suspect is believed to have acted alone. O’Neill said six people have died so far. Covelli said hospitals throughout Lake and Cook counties received patients from the incident, with conditions ranging from critical to serious. Covelli said the shooting was “completely random.” Law enforcement is “aggressively looking” for the suspect and anyone who took video or photos from the parade is asked to review them and send them to police. Business owners in the area are also urged to review their security camera footage. Covelli said initial indications show the suspect was “discreet” and hard to see on the roof of a business when he opened fire using a high-powered rifle. Five victims died at the scene and the sixth deceased victim died at a hospital, Covelli said, adding it is a “very sad day.” There were a number of “heroic actions” by members of the community, police and paramedics who rushed in immediately following the shooting to provide aid to the injured, Covelli added. Residents have been urged to stay inside and call the police if they see anything as police continued their manhunt for the suspect into Monday evening. Federal agencies, including the FBI, are on the scene actively assisting, Covelli said. SWAT teams are going door to door in the area. Covelli said “hundreds” of law enforcement officers have swarmed the area. Anyone with active information regarding suspicious activity should call 911. Anyone with delayed information on the shooting or those who have video are urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, police officials said. Numerous attendees who were attending the Fourth of July parade reported hearing gunfire and people began running for safety. Some people said the shots sounded like fireworks. Some attendees said the gunman was on the roof of Uncle Dan’s Camping and Travel, 621 Central Avenue. Even though a rifle was recovered by police, the suspect is still considered armed and dangerous, Covelli said. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the second alarm level, bringing over a dozen ambulances and other fire department units to the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the deceased victims, whose ages were not immediately known. The five who died at the scene were all adults, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said. The age of the sixth victim who died at the hospital was not known. A family and friends reunification site has been set up at the Highland Park Police Department, 1677 Old Deerfield Road. The Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Highland Park Police Department and FBI are leading the investigation into the incident. City officials said all Fourth of July activities have been canceled and that people should avoid downtown Highland Park. Those in the downtown area were previously told to shelter in place, Highland Park Communications Manager Amanda Civitello said. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in an alert that they were assisting Highland Park police with the shooting and asked everyone to avoid the area so law enforcement and first responders could work the scene. The Illinois State Police said on Twitter that they were assisting with the “active shooter situation” in Highland Park. Officials for the Village of Deerfield, which is next to Highland Park, said on social media that their Family Days activities had been cleared and their parade canceled due to the shooting in Highland Park. Several other nearby communities also canceled their Fourth of July activities. Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said she was “without words to respond to, yet again, another act of senseless violence, that this time has occurred right here in Lake County.” “My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones, the Highland Park community, and its leadership, and to those who responded today and continue to do so, to this horrific event. Lake County and our partnering agencies stand with and beside you through it all to provide the support that is needed,” Hart said. Congressman Brad Schneider said he and his campaign team were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. “My team and I are safe and secure,” Schneider said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor. Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!” he added. Lake County Board member Paul Frank, whose district covers most of Highland Park, said he was “horrified by this inhumane violence.” “This parade is a family event and supposed to be a celebration. Today our community is mourning and in shock. I pray for the victims; their families and that our country will find the strength to protect our safety. I’m grateful for the offers of support from all our community leaders and fellow county board members who have reached out,” Frank said. The post ‘This madness must stop’: Gov. Pritzker speaks after mass shooting leaves 6 dead, 39 injured in Highland Park appeared first on Lake and McHenry County Scanner. |
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