School officials say that they are disappointed after a gunman fired shots in the parking lot of Zion-Benton Township High School following a basketball game against Waukegan.
The Zion Police Department and Zion Fire Rescue Department responded around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday to the school, located at 3901 21st Street in Zion.
Police officials said a shooting occurred outside of the school in the parking.
Zion was hosting Waukegan for a varsity basketball game at the time of the incident.
Police officials said 911 calls were made regarding shots fired and officers arrived within moments as they were already nearby.
Officers requested assistance from nearby police agencies due to the number of people present.
Police officials said there was no active shooter after the initial shots were fired.
Two cars were damaged and the offenders fled the scene.
The school said they believe the shooting was targeted but the investigation is ongoing.
No one was reported to be shot but one person was evaluated by paramedics after being trampled.
A parent said she was at the game with her two children when she witnessed a teenager jump out of a passenger side door of a silver four-door sedan and begin “unloading an extended clip.”
“I didn’t even know what to do, while everyone else was running and ducking,” the mother said.
Another witness said everyone was leaving the basketball game and kids began running back inside screaming when the shooting happened.
Detectives and officers remained on the scene investigating the incident late Tuesday.
The school increased police presence and started the day Wednesday on “code yellow.”
The school sent an updated message to parents Thursday and said, “We are disappointed about the incident that took place and saddened by the emotional stress caused by this. We will continue to work closely with local authorities on this matter as it is currently under investigation.”
School officials said their students did not participate in the shooting.
“We continue to be proud of our Zee-Bees as they show their school pride and represent us with dignity and honor not only in our district but throughout the nation,” the message said.
The Zion Police Department said they are investigating several leads. The suspect was believed to be a male black wearing all black, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Zion Police Department at 847-872-8000.