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River Forest Police Investigate Saturday Night Shooting at North and Harlem Ave. that Left One Dead and One Injured
At 10:41 PM on December 2, 2017 River Forest Police Units were dispatched to 7201 W. North Ave for a call of shots fired on the roadway in the eastbound North Ave traffic lanes, just west of Harlem. Additional information was broadcasted that possibly 9 shots were fired and a vehicle had rolled into the middle of the North/Harlem intersection. Passengers were reported to be exiting from the victim’s vehicle, and the other vehicular and pedestrian traffic sought cover. Witnesses and victims reported that the offender was a male-black wearing a hoody. The offender(s) entered a silver Buick Sedan or similar style auto and were last seen eastbound North Ave.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the sedan occupied by the offender(s) pulled behind the victim’s SUV, which was stopped at the red light at North/Harlem. An offender exited the sedan and approached the victim’s SUV and fired numerous shots at and into the victim’s vehicle. At this time, there are two (2) gunshot victims, who were transported to area hospitals, one 23-year old male deceased and one 35-year old female with a non-life threatening injury. Both victims are from Chicago. The deceased is a self-reported documented gang member.
Besides River Forest Police units responding to the scene, officers from Oak Park, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, and Chicago provided immediate assistance, crime scene management, and traffic control. The West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force (WESTAF) are the lead group heading up the investigation. They provide both investigative and forensic support and expertise. Even though a preliminary analysis of the event points to a targeted gang style assassination, no other motives or alternative theories are being ruled out by investigators. This investigation is in the very early stages with numerous witnesses, physical evidence, and video footage to manage.