Crime
2 injured after shooting at Walmart in Evergreen Park, suspect in custody
EVERGREEN PARK, Ill. — A chaotic scene unfolded Wednesday evening at the Walmart Supercenter near 95th Street and Western Avenue after gunfire erupted inside the busy store, leaving two people shot and several others injured while fleeing the area, according to authorities.
The Evergreen Park Police Department, assisted by Chicago Police and multiple emergency agencies, responded to the incident around 7:20 p.m. following reports of an active shooter situation.
Upon arrival, officers quickly entered and secured the store, locating two gunshot victims—one person shot in the leg and another grazed in the foot.
Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Their conditions have not yet been released.
In addition to the shooting victims, several other individuals sustained minor injuries while attempting to escape the store amid the panic.
An EMS Plan 1 was activated, bringing multiple ambulances and fire units from surrounding jurisdictions to assist with triage and medical aid.
Initial witness accounts and surveillance footage indicated that the suspect, described as a light-skinned Black male with short dreadlocks, was wearing all black clothing and a shirt bearing a large Mario logo.
He initially fled the scene on foot and was later believed to have escaped in a Chevy Malibu.
Authorities have since confirmed that the suspect is in custody.
The Walmart was placed on lockdown as officers conducted a systematic sweep of the building to ensure the safety of shoppers and employees.
The scene remains secure as investigators from Evergreen Park Police, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and regional task forces continue processing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
At this time, the motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and police have not confirmed whether the suspect and victims were acquainted.
Witnesses described moments of panic and confusion as customers ran for cover or fled through emergency exits when gunfire erupted inside the store.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, photos, or video footage related to the incident to contact the Evergreen Park Police Department.
The investigation is ongoing.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.