FOREST PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Four people were shot, one killed, in an apartment shooting in the southern suburb of Park Forest early Friday, police said.
A meeting was taking place at an apartment in the Central Park Apartments in the 100 Fir Street block at around 3:30 a.m. when shots were fired, police said.
Police said on arrival they found the scene chaotic with several people fleeing the area.
Police said officers were aware of an altercation between people attending a flea house party, which culminated in several people opening fire.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Police identified him as 29-year-old Ladarius Williams of Chicago. They said he appeared to have been shot several times.
A 19-year-old boy from Waukegan and a 28-year-old boy from Chicago were taken to a local hospital and then taken to a Chicago-area trauma center in critical condition. Police said the two underwent surgery and remain in hospital. A 22-year-old man from Chicago was treated at the scene and refused further treatment, police said.
Police said several firearms were found at the scene, and several nearby cars were hit by gunfire during the incident.
Neighbors say the area is usually very quiet.
“I looked out the door and I saw this, so it's scary to know that no matter where you are, you're not safe anymore,” said resident Keetha Moore. “I've been in this city for 30 years, I've never seen trouble like this come to our city. It's sad. It's heartbreaking to know that someone died here under my nose.”
“Nothing I've ever experienced here before, so quite a shock. Of course you wonder what will happen,” said Emmer Adams, resident.
Police said investigations were ongoing and a significant police presence remained in the area, but there was no threat to the community.
Neighbors said the people living in the apartment had lived there for less than a year. They said it was unusual for late night parties to occur in the area.
“The last five to six years you haven't seen parties and loud music and all that at all, so this is the latest one,” Adams said.
No one is on hold at this time. An investigation by Forest Park police and the Southern Suburban Major Crimes Task Force is ongoing. Anyone with information should call the Park Ranger's Investigative Division at 708-748-1309.
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