Evanston shooting leaves 1 dead, 4 teens wounded near gas station on Green Bay Road
EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) -- A shooting in north suburban Evanston Sunday night left one teenager dead and four others wounded, police said.
Police responded to shooting scene around 7:17 p.m. after receiving numerous 911 calls. They found four of the victims outside a Mobil gas station in the 1900-block of Green Bay Road. A fifth person was found about a block away on Green Bay Road.
One of the victims died on the scene, police said. He has been identified to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as 17-year-old Carl Dennison. He was a senior at Niles North High School.
"I remember when Carl walked in as a freshman and his electric smile and keen sense of humor could light up a room," Niles North Principal Dr. James Edwards said in a written statement.
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Surveillance video from a Shell station across the street showed people running and a car suddenly reversing as a person is seen limping away.
"This incident appears to be a targeted attack and the investigation does not indicate a continued threat to the public," Evanston Police Cmdr. Ryan Glew said.
The remaining victims who were wounded in the shooting are two male teenagers and two female teenagers ranging in age from 14-18 years old, police said. They were all transported to nearby hospitals.
"Our preliminary investigation reveals the victims all knew each other," Evanston Police Sgt. Ken Carter said. "The male victims were standing by a car, and the female victims were inside of the car."
Evanston police said Monday afternoon that a 14-year-old victim remains in critical condition. The three other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
All of the victims were residents of either Evanston or Skokie, police said Monday.
"Today, Evanston's heart is broken," Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said. "Any act of violence that occurs here tears at the fabric of our community, but the extraordinary youth of the victims of last night's tragedy is tugging at the consciences of all of us today."
The co-owner of the gas station across the street from the shooting scene said violence is moving east and north across Evanston.
"I like this area, I mean it is a good neighborhood," said Zara Syed, of Cor's Shell. "So what happened last night was kind of shock for me. I have heard on the news and something about the kids, but unfortunately, things happen."
Up the street in a key Evanston commercial area, shoppers shared their disbelief at the violence.
"It is terrifying and I think someone needs to address it, break it apart and see where it is all stemming from," Evanston resident Valerie Overleigh said.
"This kind of event is unacceptable to every person in this community," Biss said.
Police said their investigation does not indicate further danger to the public and no suspects are in custody.
This is the 6th homicide in Evanston this year - more than any other year in the last two decades.
FULL STATEMENT FROM NILES TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 219
Niles Township High School District 219 is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Niles North High School Senior, Carl Dennison. Our entire community mourns his tragic loss. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and all those who knew him.
Dr. James Edwards, Principal of Niles North shared, "Whenever we lose a member of our family we lose a little bit of ourselves. Last night, we lost Carl Dennison, a senior who was a lively, energetic soul who will be missed by all of us. I remember when Carl walked in as a freshman and his electric smile and keen sense of humor could light up a room. To see him as a senior on the brink of graduation and then to learn about his passing was heartbreaking for our school community. Our deepest condolences go out to Carl's family, friends, and North staff members on his passing. As a school community, we have endured so much over the past two years, and during these times, we need each other to lean into for support and love."
The District encourages all students and staff in need of support to use the resources provided through our Student Services Team and Human Resources Department.
FULL STATEMENT FROM EVANSTON MAYOR DANIEL BISS
Our hearts are broken today. Last night, five people between the ages of 14 and 18 were shot on Green Bay near Asbury. One of them passed away and another is in critical condition. Our whole community is reeling from this shocking act of violence, from the youth of the victims, and from the tragic loss of life.
I send all my thoughts and condolences to the victims and their loved ones. This will be a painful time of grieving and healing for so many.
As a city, we simply have to do better. We must redouble our investment in violence prevention and outreach efforts. We must connect our youth with the services they need. Most of all, we must recognize that every act of violence has devastating consequences that ripple into all of our lives.
The ugly truth is that a tragedy of this magnitude can sometimes desensitize people, owing to the temptation to shield one's eyes from this kind of trauma. I understand that instinct, but we will only solve this problem when we all give it the attention and priority it requires.
I commit to conduct myself consistent with that principle, and I want to thank the Evanston Police Department and other City of Evanston staff who have been tirelessly dedicating themselves to the resolution of this case in that same spirit.
Again, my heart is with the victims, with their families, loved ones, and friends, and with our whole community. May this moment of pain spur the action needed to create real peace in Evanston.
