Police: Two juveniles arrested in Gurnee shooting that stemmed from drug deal
Gurnee police have arrested two juveniles in connection with a shooting last week that authorities say stemmed from a drug deal gone wrong.
The shooting occurred Oct. 5 during a meeting between the victim, a 20-year-old Lindenhurst man, and some acquaintances in a parking lot near Stearns School and Dilleys roads, police said. An altercation broke out and the man was shot once in the leg.
One of the suspects, a 16-year-old boy from Gurnee, was taken into custody the next day, police announced Thursday. Further investigation led detectives to a second suspect, a 15-year-old from Grayslake, who was taken into custody without incident Wednesday, police said.
Detectives also recovered a handgun with an extended magazine during the investigation, according to police.
"Safety has always been a priority in our community, and we take violent crimes seriously," Police Chief Brian Smith said in an announcement of the arrests. "We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of our investigators, along with the initiative of our community members to come forward with crucial information."
Charges for the juveniles involved in this case are being pursued through the juvenile court system, police said. County prosecutors said they could not detail the charges because the suspects are juveniles.