Two Injured in Shooting During Dispute at Illinois Walmart
Two individuals sustained injuries, including a bystander, following a shooting incident at a Walmart Supercenter in Evergreen Park, Illinois, on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect has been taken into custody by law enforcement authorities.
The event transpired shortly before 3 p.m. when the suspect, who was dropped off by a vehicle, approached the store’s entrance concurrently with his first victim, a 23-year-old man. Reports indicate that the two men were acquaintances. An argument erupted outside the store, leading to the suspect allegedly brandishing a firearm and firing multiple rounds. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the victim was struck at least five times in the leg.
In a state of panic, the injured man entered the store seeking assistance, with the assailant pursuing him and continuing to fire indiscriminately. A stray bullet fragment injured a 70-year-old woman who was positioned outside the entrance at the time of the incident. Authorities have not yet revealed the identities of those involved.
Following the shooting, the 23-year-old victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery. His current medical status remains unclear. The elderly woman also received medical attention at a different facility and is reported to be in fair condition.
After fleeing the scene, the alleged shooter hid in a residential yard nearby. The homeowner noticed the individual and promptly alerted the police, leading to his arrest approximately 15 minutes after the incident. Investigators subsequently located the vehicle that had dropped off the gunman about five miles away. However, law enforcement is still determining the identity of the driver and their potential connection to the shooting.
Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain whether the shooting was a targeted attack on the wounded man. Regardless of the motivation, the gunfire incited panic among customers and employees, creating a chaotic scene as individuals sought safety among the busy afternoon shoppers. Witnesses described the harrowing experience, with many frantically attempting to find cover amidst the sounds of gunfire.
The Evergreen Park Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, aiming to provide clarity regarding the motivations and affiliations of those involved.
