Authorities have announced the arrest and charges against a gunman accused of shooting a 17-year-old boy near a school in Gurnee as investigators decline to say whether there was any motive.
Semaj K. Wilcox, 18, of Gurnee, was charged with one count of aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, a Class X felony.
The charges stem from a shooting near River Trail School, 333 O’Plaine Road in Gurnee on April 3.
The Gurnee Police Department said they responded around 5:07 p.m. that day and found a 17-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Gurnee firefighter/paramedics transported him to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he received treatment.
Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said it is believed the shooting occurred near the school in the area of Brookhaven Road and Wellington Circle.
There was a heavy police presence, including both officers and detectives at Gillings Drive and Brookhaven Road and at Brookhaven Road and Kensington Court, both of which are outside of River Trail School.
A Lake County Sheriff’s Office canine unit was called to assist the Gurnee Police Department.
The canine conducted an area search as part of the initial investigation, Gaylor said.
Officers were also seen speaking to at least four juveniles at Gillings Drive and Bluebird Court.
The Gurnee Police Department and the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) Emergency Services Team conducted a search warrant days later on April 6 in connection with the investigation.
Detectives searched a townhouse in the 100 block of Wellington Circle in Gurnee.
Gurnee police investigators obtained the warrant in coordination with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the residents and community during the execution of the search warrant,” Gaylor said.
An arrest warrant was later obtained for Wilcox on April 13. He has since turned himself in to the Lake County Jail and remains in custody.
“This case progressed quickly due to the focused efforts of our investigators and the strong partnership with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Gurnee Police Chief Jeremy Gaughan said.
“With the offender in custody, this marks a significant step in the investigation and reflects the thorough and persistent work of our detectives. We remain committed to ensuring accountability through the judicial process,” Gaughan said.
Gaylor declined to release any information regarding a potential motive for the shooting.
“That aspect of the case remains part of the ongoing investigative process and will be addressed through the appropriate judicial proceedings,” she said Tuesday.
Wilcox is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Wednesday afternoon.