Police: 3 of 5 Elgin shooting victims out of hospital
Three of the five victims of a shooting early Sunday near downtown Elgin have been released from the hospital, police said.
Elgin police continues to investigate the shooting, which happened after the victims left a party attended by 80 to 100 people on the 200 block of North Street, near the Burger King on Dundee Avenue, Cmdr. Ana Lalley said.
Officers responded about 3 a.m. to a call on the 300 block of North Street and found four victims, who were then taken to hospitals. A fifth victim drove to Presence Saint Joseph Hospital; all are Elgin residents, Lalley said.
Two male victims are still at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, while two female victims and another male victim have been released from the hospital, police said.
It appears the shooting was not random, and police have no indication at this time that anyone else is in danger, Lalley said.
Police still are interviewing several witnesses who were at the party, Lalley said.
“The detectives have been working on it consistently, and we hope to have it resolved soon,” she said.
Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, Lalley and other officers gave an update about the investigation at the monthly meeting of the Gifford Park Association on Thursday night, association President Dan Miller said.
Police said the shooting was probably gang-related and likely the result of a chance encounter, Miller said.
They declined to give more information citing the pending investigation, he added.
“I'm reassured,” he said. “I've always thought they (police) do a good job.”
Neighbor Avelino Gallegos said he was awakened by the sound of gunfire the night of the shooting. He looked out his window and saw people walking away from the party, he said.
Police have responded to disturbances caused by loud parties at that location in the past, Gallegos said.
“This is the first time I heard gunshots here, and I've lived here more than 12 years,” he said.
Police are asking anyone with any information about the shooting to call the Gang Crimes Unit at (847) 289-2646.
Additionally, individuals can provide anonymous tips or information via the crime line at (847) 695-4195 or by texting 847411 and including ELGINPD in the beginning of the text.