“Thought it was a gun salute” – Illinois gunman caught

Police in the US state of Illinois have arrested a suspect following the deadly shooting in a suburb of Chicago. He is said to have opened fire on the roof of a commercial building at an Independence Day parade. At least six people were killed.

The alleged perpetrator is a 22-year-old American from the area. He was found in his car regarding five miles north of the crime scene in the small town of Highland Park.

Lou Jogmen is the police chief of Highland Park. He said shortly following the arrest: “The arrested person will now be taken to Highland Park Police Station where we will begin the next phase of the investigation.” Illinois State Police officers were also involved in the search.

Motive is unclear

It is unclear why the suspect opened fire from the roof. Apparently, the man shot indiscriminately at the crowd. More than two dozen people were injured, including children.

Two eyewitnesses described the dramatic minutes. One woman said: “I remember hearing shots and reloading like that. And people were screaming and running.”

One man said, “I thought it was a gun salute from the marines saluting the flag. But then when I saw people running, I picked up my son and ran.”

Shortly following the crime, the police published mug shots of the 22-year-old. Access followed a few hours later. According to police, the man fired a high-powered rifle. It’s probably a lone wolf.