A man was shot at the Scoop event in downtown Waukegan Saturday evening, causing the event to be shut down as witnesses described the ordeal as “scary.”
The shooting occurred around 6:50 p.m. Saturday in front of 20 South Genesee Street, which is just south of Washington Street, during the Scoop event in downtown Waukegan.
A man was reportedly shot once in his hip area, according to police radio traffic.
Police officers were already in the area and administered medical aid to the man before firefighter/paramedics with the Waukegan Fire Department loaded him into an ambulance.
The man was rushed to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville in unknown condition, but he was alive.
The Libertyville Police Department was notified and responded to Advocate Condell Medical Center to provide extra security, according to police radio traffic.
Officers coordinated traffic control and worked to secure a clear route for the ambulance.
Police, with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s SWAT Team, secured and surrounded the area of 20 South Genesee Street with crime scene tape.
Blood stains, some articles of clothing, and remnants of gauze and other medical supplies were seen on the ground next to one of the parked classic cars.
It’s unclear where exactly the shooting happened, but investigators were focusing heavily on the parking lot just south of 20 South Genesee Street, on the west side of the street.
The Waukegan Police Department Major Crime Scene Unit (MCSU) responded to the scene to gather evidence.
Officers also reviewed nearby surveillance footage and were able to obtain a description of the alleged shooter.
The shooter reportedly was last seen on foot eastbound on Water Street towards Sheridan Road before entering a vehicle and leaving the area, according to police radio traffic.
It’s unclear as of Sunday morning if anyone is in custody.
The shooting prompted the Scoop event to shut down early.
Officers were seen using their public announcement (PA) system to disperse crowds of people along South Genesee Street.
One family was upset that they had to move their taco dinner table away from the area.
Numerous witnesses told Lake & McHenry County Scanner that it was not immediately apparent that a gunshot rang out due to loud music and other ambient noise.
A woman said she initially thought it was a firework.
Another witness said people started to run away from the area after word quickly spread that someone had been shot.
“It was scary,” she said. “We just skedaddled out of there.”
Sebastian, who said he was around 10 feet away from the gunshot and witnessed the immediate aftermath, told Lake & McHenry County Scanner that his ear hurt from the bang.
Sebastian couldn’t see who shot the man because the area was crowded, but did see the blood on the ground.
“Where’s the police?! Where’s the police?!” he heard people yelling.
Police officers soon after arrived and began asking witnesses where the shooter fled, Sebastian said.
The crime scene was expanded later in the evening to encompass the entire block of South Genesee Street.
The scene concluded at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Waukegan Police Department issued a statement Saturday evening, saying they are “actively investigating” the shooting incident.
“We want to assure the public that this was an isolated incident. Due to the heavy law enforcement presence already stationed at the festival, the scene was contained immediately by on-site first responders who secured the area, provided medical attention, and ensured the safety of festival attendees,” Waukegan Deputy Police Chief Craig Neal said.
Waukegan 4th Ward Alderman Victor Felix, who represents downtown Waukegan, said on Facebook that his “thoughts are with all those affected by the incident that occurred during the Scoop Waukegan event.”
“As Alderman of the 4th Ward, I am deeply saddened that an event intended to bring families together, support our local businesses, and celebrate the spirit of our community was impacted by an act of violence,” Felix said.
Felix thanked first responders for their “swift response” and their investigative work so far.
“Violence has no place in our community. We will continue working alongside our residents, community leaders, and public safety officials to strengthen security and preserve the spaces where our families can gather and enjoy themselves in peace,” Felix said.
“Please keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers,” Felix added.