Crime
HVAC worker found fake guns and bomb materials at Lake Meadows apartment in Chicago
A significant police presence was deployed to an apartment building at 533 East 33rd Place in Chicago’s Lake Meadows neighborhood on Monday morning, following reports of suspicious materials discovered by an HVAC contractor.
Melissa Carraway, an HVAC contractor servicing radiators in the building, stumbled upon a cache of concerning items in one of the units.
Among the items reported were materials resembling explosives, rifles, various forms of identification, chemicals, and insignia associated with the City of Chicago and public safety departments. Carraway recorded a video of the findings before contacting 911.
The unit allegedly belongs to a male tenant described as a Middle Eastern Muslim, though authorities have not confirmed the identity or released further details.
The discovery prompted an immediate response from multiple agencies, including the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Bomb Squad, SWAT, K-9 units, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Residents were evacuated as law enforcement secured and searched the building.
After several hours of investigation, CPD declared the scene “all clear” around 1:30 p.m., determining that the items posed no actual threat. The explosives and rifles were found to be non-functional or fake.
Authorities detained a male resident of the apartment, but he has not been formally charged. Records indicate the individual had a prior history with law enforcement. In 2022, he was fired from the Chicago Fire Department after allegedly threatening a mass shooting at the city’s fire academy. Following that incident, he was taken into custody after a standoff with CPD. Despite this, he was later employed by another city agency, where he remains employed as of today.
In addition to the fake explosives and rifles, investigators discovered identification badges, including City of Chicago and private security credentials, as well as insignias for Chicago police and fire departments. The items’ purpose or significance remains under investigation.
Residents were allowed back into the building after hours of evacuation. The discovery caused unease among tenants, particularly given recent incidents involving explosives nationwide.
Carraway expressed her alarm upon finding the items, stating, “You hear about bombings in places like New Orleans and Las Vegas, and it scared me. I called immediately to make sure this was handled properly.”
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the suspect’s connection to the materials and assess any potential threat.
Further details about the suspect’s identity and potential charges are expected to be released as the investigation unfolds. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Norfolk, Virginia — Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursday’s shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the university’s campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect—identified by authorities as Mohammed Jalloh—entered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.
The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.
Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.
“This tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,” the university wrote in its statement. “We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”
Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.
In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science.
Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.
Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.
Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.
University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect’s motive, and the investigation remains active.