Two teens have been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that left a 20-year-old man hospitalized last week in Gurnee, police said.
The Gurnee Police Department and Gurnee Fire Department responded around 5:50 p.m. October 5 to the area of Dilleys Road and Nations Drive for a report of a gunshot victim.
Officers located a victim with a gunshot wound to the leg, according to Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor.
Police initially said the victim was a juvenile but have since corrected themselves and said it was a 20-year-old Lindenhurst man.
The Gurnee Fire Department provided medical treatment to the man and paramedics transported him to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. The victim’s injuries were considered non-life-threatening, Gaylor said.
An investigation showed the victim had arranged for a drug transaction with people he knew in a parking lot near the intersection of Stearns School Road and Dilleys Road.
An altercation began and the suspects fired shots at the victim, striking him in the leg. The victim drove a few blocks away from the scene before calling the police for assistance.
A 16-year-old from Gurnee was taken into custody on October 6 and a second suspect, identified as a 15-year-old from Grayslake, was taken into custody on October 14.
“Detectives were actively working the case since the incident occurred, and they appreciate the assistance from community members for providing essential information in this case,” Gaylor said.
Detectives recovered a handgun with an extended magazine during the investigation.
“Safety has always been a priority in our community, and we take violent crimes seriously,” Gurnee Police Chief Brian Smith said.
“We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of our investigators, along with the initiative of our community members to come forward with crucial information. The partnership our department has with the community is undeniable and ultimately aids us in solving cases,” he added.
Charges against the teens involved in the case are being pursued through the juvenile court system, Gaylor said.