PARADE HORROR
First Highland Park July 4 parade mass shooting victim named as Nicolas Toledo after gunman killed 6 and and hurt 30
SIX people are dead and at least 30 others wounded after a shooter opened fire at an Independence Day parade, sending hundreds fleeing in terror.
Gunshots rang out just 10 minutes after the start of a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois - about 25 miles north of - on Monday.
12
12
12
12
12
12
Robert “Bobby” E Crimo III, 22, was taken into custody by police after an officer noticed him driving and a brief chase ensued.
Police previously asked the public to be on the lookout for his 2010 Silver Honda Fit with license plate IL DM80653.
Crimo was taken to the Highland Park Police Department to be questioned on his possible involvement.
Nicolas Toledo, 78, was identified as one of the six victims killed in the mass shooting, his family confirmed to .
More on the Highland shooting
“We are all feeling pretty numb. We’re all pretty broken inside,” his granddaughter told the outlet.
named Jacki Sundheim as another victim in the tragedy.
"There are no words sufficient to express the depth of our grief Jacki's death and sympathy for her family and loved ones," her synagogue North Shore Congregation Israel wrote in a statement.
In the aftermath of the shooting, beach chairs, baby strollers, backpacks, and blankets were abandoned across the parade grounds as people sought cover.
Most read in The Sun
Highland PD searched for named suspect Crimo after he was described as a white male between 18-20 years old, with long black hair, a small build, and wearing a white and blue t-shirt.
The suspect's motive appeared to be random, investigators initially said.
"By all means, at this point, this appears to be completely random," Lake County Major Crimes Task Force spokesman Chris Covelli said.
Several witnesses told the that they heard about 20-25 shots fired.
“I heard 20 to 25 shots, which were in rapid succession. So it couldn’t have been just a handgun or a shotgun,” Miles Zaremski told the outlet.
The witness said he saw "people in that area that got shot,” including “a woman covered with blood."
“It was a quiet, peaceful, lovely morning, people were enjoying the parade,” bystander Adrienne Drell told the Chicago-Sun Times.
“Within seconds, to have that peacefulness suddenly ripped apart, it’s scary. You can’t go anywhere, you can’t find peace. I think we are falling apart.”
Witness Zoe Pawelczek told parade-goers initially thought the array of pops were fireworks given the occasion.
"And I was like, something's wrong. I grabbed my dad and started running. All of a sudden, everyone behind us started running," she said.
"I looked back probably 20 feet away from me. I saw a girl shot and killed."
Pawelczek and her father hid behind a dumpster for about an hour until police moved them into a sporting goods store and then eventually escorted them back to their car, she said.
She saw one person who had been shot in the ear and had blood all over his face and another girl who was shot in the leg.
"It looked like a battle zone, and it's disgusting. It's really disgusting," she said.
Warren Fried, who attended the parade with his wife and seven-year-old twins, said he watched the police and ambulance pass by him at the parade and afterward heard an array of gunshots.
He said people began yelling "shooter" and "run," and he and his family fled toward their car for safety.
"People were hiding, kids were on the streets looking for their parents, just in a state of shock," Fried told CNN.
SIX DEAD, OVER TWO DOZEN INJURED
Police confirmed six deaths and approximately 30 others injured in what they called an "active shooter situation".
Doctors at Highland Park Hospital received 26 victims, 25 of which were gunshot victims with injuries ranging from severe to critical.
Dr Brigham Temple said the victims' ages range from eight to 85, with about four to five children treated for injuries.
Officials said 19 have since been treated and discharged.
Multiple police agencies responded to the scene, including the , Illinois State Police, Highland PD, and Lake County Sherriff officials.
In an initial statement, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, "The tragedy unfolding in Highland Park is devastating."
"I have been in contact with Mayor Rotering and have offered our support, and the Chicago Police Department is providing assistance. We grieve with the families of the deceased and injured as well as the entire Highland Park community.
"Law enforcement is working hard to bring the shooter into custody. If anyone has information, we encourage them to call 911 and report what you know," she added.
Illinois Rep Bob Morgan said he was at the parade at the time and confirmed "multiple injuries".
"For those unaware, there was a shooting at the Highland Park Parade. I am OK, but there have been multiple injuries. Please stay out of the area, stay safe, and please pray for those injured," Morgan tweeted.
US Rep Brad Schneider said his office is gathering information on the shooting and are in touch with the mayor.
"Today, a shooter struck in Highland Park during the Independence Day parade," Schneider tweeted.
"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!"
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More On The Sun
Highland Park's July 4th parade was expected to feature floats, marching bands, novelty groups, community entries and other special entertainment, the city .
Nearby suburbs canceled their Fourth of July parades in the wake of the shooting.
12
12
12
12
12
12
Topics