At least 7 dead, 35 hospitalized in mass shooting in Highland Park

UPDATED on Monday, July 4, 5:05 p.m. (For updates from Tuesday, July 5, CLICK HERE.)

A shooter is still at large following a mass shooting in Highland Park Monday morning. Local authorities report that the shooter killed at least six people and injured at least 30 others.

Highland Park officials said in a Monday afternoon press conference they are looking for a person of interest named Robert “Bobby” Crimo III, a 22-year-old man from Highland Park. Crimo has been described as a white male with long dark hair and a slim build, and authorities believe he is driving a 2010 silver Honda Fit with a Illinois license plate number DM-80653.

Crimo reportedly was last seen wearing a white or blue T-shirt and is considered armed and dangerous.

“We consider him to be armed and extremely dangerous,” said Sgt. Chris Covelli, of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, urging anyone with information on Crimo to call 911 immediately.

All six individuals killed in the shooting are adults, the county coroner said, while up to five children are among 25 who were shot at the parade and then cared for at Highland Park Hospital. The hospital treated and is treating shooting victims ranging in age from 8 to 85.

Other people injured in the mass shooting were taken to different area hospitals, including six to Evanston Hospital and four to Glenbrook Hospital, among others — making for at least 37 hospitalized individuals following the shooting.

Dr. Brigham Temple said only two patients — both in stable condition — from the shooting remain at Highland Park Hospital. Nineteen, he said, were treated and discharged. Some patients were transported to other area hospitals, including an individual who needed neurosurgical care.

“It is surreal to take care of events such as this,” said Temple, an emergency medicine doctor for NorthShore University Healthcare, which operates Highland Park Hospital. “But all of us have gone through extensive training.”

Police are asking anyone with videos or photographs of the scene to call 1 (800) 225-5321 (call FBI) or Highland Park at (847) 432-7730.

According to information given by law enforcement officials at Monday press conferences, the shooter fired dozens of shots with a “high-powered rifle” from a rooftop in downtown Highland Park around 10:10 a.m., just after a Fourth of July parade began at 10 a.m.

A Highland Park resident attending the parade told The Record that they heard upward of 12 shots fired at 10:10 a.m. before there was a break in the shooting and then another round of gunshots rang out. The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were on the same block as the gunfire: on Central Avenue near 2nd Street.

“By the time (the person) started shooting a second time, everyone realized what it was and started running,” the witness said. “We ran to the street to the back of us. We immediately turned from that direction. By that time, we could not see anything more.”

The City of Highland Park Police Department is leading the investigation working with the FBI and regional emergency units. Covelli said “hundreds of police officers are out here.”

Fourth of July festivities in many surrounding community — including Glencoe, Winnetka, Northfield, Deerfield, Glenview and Northbrook — are canceled. Park district beaches in Wilmette and Evanston are closed.

Highland Park Nancy Roetering said the town was “terrorized by an act of violence that has shaken us to our core.”

“On a day we came together to celebrate community and freedom, we are instead mourning a tragic loss of life and a terror brought upon us,” she said.

UPDATE (12:34 p.m.): The City of Highland Park is reporting at least five people are dead and 16 others hospitalized following a mass shooting at the town’s Fourth of July Parade Monday morning.

The city’s statement reads in part, “This is an active incident. All individuals are advised to shelter in place. Law enforcement agencies are searching for the suspect; evidence of a firearm has been recovered. Numerous law enforcement officers are responding and have secured a perimeter around downtown Highland Park. 16 people have been transferred to the hospital; 5 individuals are confirmed deceased.”

Village of Glencoe Public Safety Director Cary Lewandowski said his town’s Fourth of July festivities were canceled out of an abundance of caution and he urged residents to remain in their homes.

Fourth activities were also canceled in Glenview, Northfield and other neighboring towns.

11:45 a.m.: Numerous gunshots were fired during a Fourth of July parade Monday morning in downtown Highland Park, according to numerous reports from local authorities.

It is not yet clear how many, if any, are injured, but a shooter remains at large, according to a post from the Village of Glencoe — a neighboring community just south of Highland Park.

In a post on Twitter, the Village of Glencoe wrote, “Due to an active shooter event in Highland Park, all residents should remain home until further notice. The shooter is still at large. Further information will be provided when available. The Fourth of July Parade has been cancelled. Glencoe Public Safety are monitoring the situation.”

Fourth of July festivities in Highland Park, as well as Glencoe, Northfield and other surrounding communities, have been canceled. Park district facilities in Wilmette, including Gillson Park and Gillson Beach, are closed.

A Highland Park resident attending the parade told The Record that they heard upward of 12 shots fired at 10:10 a.m. before there was a break in the shooting and then another 10 or so gunshots rang out. The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were on the same block as the gunfire: on Central Avenue near 2nd Street.

“By the time (the person) started shooting a second time, everyone realized what it was and started running,” the witness said. “We ran to the street to the back of us. We immediately turned from that direction. By that time, we could not see anything more.”

A message from the account of Highland Park Mayor Nancy Roetering, who was walking in the parade, said, “Highland Park Police are responding to an incident in downtown Highland Park. Fourth Fest has been canceled. Please avoid downtown Highland Park. More information will be shared as it becomes available.”

Stay tuned to The Record North Shore as this story develops.

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