Shots fired, fighting after rap event

At least four gunshots were fired in the air during a series of fights that occurred as patrons exited a Round Lake bar early Monday, police said.

Round Lake Police Chief Cliff Metaxa said Wednesday the disturbance occurred at a rap music event at Sharky's Billiards on Route 134. No arrests have been made.

Metaxa said at least 10 police officers from all the Round Lake communities were dispatched to Sharky's in response to the melee at 1:53 a.m. Monday.

Police said an estimated 400 patrons were there to see rival rap disc jockeys from Racine, Wis., and North Chicago.

"I think that might have helped fuel the animosity between the groups," Metaxa said.

Police broke up fights inside Sharky's and in the bar's parking lot, Metaxa said. More trouble erupted when a traffic snarl developed nearby at Route 134 and Cedar Lake Road, he added.

Four gunshots were fired in the air after officers arrived to quell fighting at the intersection, Metaxa said.

A lack of cooperating witnesses has hampered the police investigation, but leads continue to be followed, he said. No injuries were reported.