Shooting injures one in Highland Park; search for suspects underway

Highland Park police are searching for at least two people following a shooting Monday night that hospitalized a 30-year-old man.

According to the City of Highland Park at least one person was transported to an area hospital after being shot at approximately 7:35 p.m. within the 0-300 blocks of Walker Avenue in Highland Park, a residential stretch that borders Fort Sheridan.

The gunshot victim was in critical condition when taken to the hospital, where, according to the City, his condition is improving.

Highland Park police sent images of two “persons of interest” who they say were speaking with the victim prior to the shooting. Police reported around 10:35 p.m. Monday that following a “thorough” search they believe the suspects fled the area.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the shooting occurred between individuals who knew each other,

On Tuesday, the city says it had identified both individuals, who are potential suspects, and community members should call 911 with any information related to them or the incident.

Following the shooting, the City advised residents near the area to shelter in place for about three hours until lifting the order around 10:35 p.m. originally writing “Residents in the area should not open doors or windows to unexpected visitors, and should call 911 with any concerns.”

Some residents from Walker Avenue told The Record were unaware of the shooting until they learned of it from news outlets on Monday night.  

“It’s a lovely neighborhood,” resident Cathy Johnson said. “It’s a shame to see something like this happen.” 

At least one resident, however, Alejandro Jauregui said he saw the commotion just after the shooting. 

“Between 7:15 to 7:30 p.m., I saw an injured man on the street with three to four cops helping him,” he said. “I was putting some things in my car and I just saw this commotion across the street.”  

Jauregui called the experience “nerve-racking.”

The investigation is ongoing.

This shooting on Monday happened about a half-mile from the recent Highwood shootings on Grove Avenue on July 14 and June 22. 

The July 14 shooting resulted in the detainment of a juvenile with an “unknown” number of gunshots, while two juveniles were detained following 11 shots fired on June 22.

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