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
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.