Shooting at Mariano’s Store in Evergreen Park Leaves One Dead, Suspect Arrested in Domestic-Related Incident
Evergreen Park, IL – A shooting inside a Mariano’s store in Evergreen Park on Thursday morning has left one person dead and another arrested in what police are describing as a “domestic-related” incident. The shooting occurred at the store located at 2559 W. 95th St.
Authorities responded to a report of an active shooter just after 9 a.m. Evergreen Park Police Chief Michael D. Saunders stated that officers arrived at the scene and found several people in the parking lot. They quickly entered the store, but no gunshots were being fired at the time.
As a precautionary measure, officers evacuated people from the front of the building and continued their search inside. “We believed at that time we did have a shooter inside the building,” Saunders said.
During their search, officers discovered an employee, believed to be a 21-year-old woman, in a storage area with multiple gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. No gunman was found.
Surveillance videos revealed that the woman had been seen walking away from a man inside the store and heading into a back room prior to the shooting.
Authorities received reports that the victim had been involved in a previous domestic dispute while she was an Amazon employee in nearby Oak Lawn. The suspect in that case was identified as her boyfriend, and authorities issued an alert for the vehicle mentioned in the report.
Chicago police later located the vehicle on the North Side of the city and arrested a “possible suspect” who was armed with a firearm, according to Saunders.
The village of Evergreen Park issued an alert to residents, stating that the shooting was believed to be a “domestic situation” and assured the public that there is no threat to their safety. However, the area remains an active crime scene, and authorities are urging everyone to avoid the area.
Multiple police cars were seen outside the Mariano’s store as authorities responded to the scene. Crowds of people also gathered outside the store, likely in shock and seeking information.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Evergreen Park Police Department at (708) 422-2144.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
How did law enforcement respond to the scene and what actions did they take to apprehend the suspect without further incident?
Responded quickly to the scene and apprehended the suspect without further incident.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, identified as a 41-year-old male, was taken into custody and is currently being held pending charges.
According to Chief Saunders, preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting was a result of a domestic dispute between the suspect and the victim. The exact nature of their relationship has not been disclosed.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing multiple gunshots and described a chaotic scene inside the store as shoppers and employees sought shelter and tried to flee. The store was subsequently evacuated and closed for the remainder of the day.
Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and praised the quick response of law enforcement. He also assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
The incident is under investigation by the Evergreen Park Police Department, with assistance from the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. Further details, including the identities of the victim and suspect, will be released as they become available.
This tragic incident at Mariano’s store in Evergreen Park serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from domestic situations. Heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family, and may this incident prompt us to address and support those affected by domestic disputes more effectively.
This tragic incident serves as a devastating reminder of the urgent need for addressing domestic violence and its far-reaching consequences within our communities. Condolences to the victim’s family and hopes for swift justice to be served.