Crime
19-Year-Old Belinda Fuentes Fatally Shot in Chicago’s Back of the Yards Neighborhood
A woman reported that a man, armed with a gun, had approached her 11-year-old daughter in their backyard.
A tragic shooting claimed the life of a 19-year-old Belinda Fuentes near 2000 block of West 47th Street, Back of the Yards, South Side, Chicago
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and subsequently crashed her vehicle following the gunfire.
She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police confirmed the injuries included:
- One gunshot wound to the face
- One gunshot wound to the arm
- Six gunshot wounds to the chest
Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to submit tips anonymously via cpdtip.com or call 833-408-0069.
Shortly after the shooting, police responded to a separate call near 48th and Seeley.
A woman reported that a man, armed with a gun, had approached her 11-year-old daughter in their backyard.
This area was enclosed with a privacy fence, suggesting the suspect had entered by climbing over it.
Police apprehended the alleged shooter during their search.
Remarkably, the suspect himself called 911, stating that he believed he had shot someone. He surrendered to nearby officers without further incident.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may have been involved in gang-related activity and possibly fired shots at a passing vehicle, unaware of the victim’s identity.
While the suspect’s decision to call 911 and turn himself in is an uncommon occurrence, the outcome remains a heartbreaking tragedy. The victim, a young woman with her life ahead of her, suffered a senseless loss due to gun violence.
Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ask the public for any additional information that may aid in their efforts.
This devastating event underscores the need for ongoing community efforts to address gun violence and ensure safety in Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Crime
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
Gunman took his life while barricaded inside home.
UPDATE: A gunman is dead and a veteran Milton Police officer is wounded this evening after public safety agencies responded to a structure fire on Main Street in Milton, officials said.
The gunman, identified as Aaron LaRoche, 38, of Milton is believed to have taken his own life about 11 p.m., about four hours after he ambushed Patrol Sgt. Paul Locke, officials said.
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.