Crime
Navy Pier shooting suspect in custody
Levy Restaurants, an official food and beverage partner of Navy Pier, later confirmed that both victims were their employees.
UPDATE: A tragic shooting incident occurred at Navy Pier in Chicago on November 5th, 2024, resulting in the deaths of two employees, Peter Jennings and Lamont Johnson.
The alleged perpetrator, 37-year-old Raylon East, a former employee of Levy Restaurants, was arrested in connection with the double homicide.
According to surveillance footage, East entered the Navy Pier facility wearing a disguise and proceeded to the loading dock area, where he fatally shot his former colleagues. He then fled the scene, discarding evidence along the way.
A 9mm handgun, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from the Chicago River near the scene of the crime.
East was apprehended by police and is facing serious charges, including murder. If convicted, he could potentially face a life sentence.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A person of interest is now in custody following a fatal shooting at Chicago’s Navy Pier earlier this week, as confirmed by the Chicago Police Department.
On Thursday, authorities released images of a man wanted for allegedly killing two former colleagues at Navy Pier on Tuesday.
The shooting occurred around 1:17 p.m. on Tuesday, when an ex-employee of a subcontractor reportedly gained access to Navy Pier’s premises via a loading dock near the Sable Hotel and opened fire on his former coworkers.
A community alert issued by CPD described the suspect as a Black male, approximately 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Immediately following the incident, first responders were deployed to Navy Pier, and officials ordered a shelter-in-place as the pier went on lockdown for several hours.
Levy Restaurants, an official food and beverage partner of Navy Pier, later confirmed that both victims were their employees.
In a statement, the company referred to the deceased as “family members,” adding, “We’re absolutely devastated. Our hearts break for their families and loved ones, whose lives are forever changed.”
On Thursday evening, Navy Pier also released a statement expressing relief over the person of interest’s apprehension.
“Navy Pier expresses immense gratitude to the Chicago Police Department for their swift and coordinated efforts following this tragic incident. We are relieved that the suspect has been taken into police custody and extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Lamont Johnson and Peter Jennings, who were treasured members of the Navy Pier community.”
Authorities have classified the shooting as an isolated incident. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Area Three detectives at (312) 744-8261. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to CPDTIP.com using reference #JH496538.
HOUSTON – A large law enforcement response was launched Monday afternoon following reports of an active shooter near the Harris County criminal justice complex in Downtown Houston.
According to authorities, the incident began shortly after 12:30 p.m. near 1115 Congress Street, in the vicinity of the Harris County Family Law Center.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots — with some accounts estimating as many as 30 rounds fired in rapid succession.
More than 40 officers from the Houston Police Department, including members of HPD Special Operations, converged on the scene.
Officials confirmed that a Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy was shot in the shoulder during the exchange.
The deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, who exchanged gunfire with officers, was also struck multiple times.
Authorities confirmed that the individual was taken into custody at the scene and is currently receiving medical care.
The identity and motive of the suspect have not yet been disclosed.
It remains unclear whether the shooting took place inside or outside the courthouse building.
A witness employed with the juvenile probation department told that they heard at least eight shots ring out near the courthouse.
Another witness, present at the courthouse for jury duty, said they were instructed to “get down on the floor and cover their heads” during the lockdown.
The area surrounding the courthouse was immediately cordoned off by law enforcement, and the public is being urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Multiple agencies are working jointly to secure the scene and gather evidence.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information regarding the suspect’s condition, possible charges, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.