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VOL. 17 • NO. 33
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THURSDAY, DEC. 30, 2021
Shooting at Oakbrook Center leaves four injured
State’s attorney issues call for witnesses as one suspect remains at large
By Dee Longfellow FOR THE BENSENVILLE INDEPENDENT
At about 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, shoppers at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook were interrupted and sent fleeing after gunshots were fired between two subjects. One of the suspected gunmen was injured as well as three other people who were not connected with the suspects. The
wounded gunman was able to be taken into custody right away, but as of press time, the second suspect remained at large. Oak Brook Police Chief James Kruger told news outlets that three women had been shot in the incident but all were expected to survive, according to news reports from several sources including the Chicago
Tribune, the Daily Herald and on all major television networks. About 100 officers from various municipalities reportedly descended on the mall to help calm the situation and track down the second suspect. One witness over the radio said there was a “sea of police cars.” Inside the mall area, which is outdoors, people ran for safety. The mall
was placed on lockdown and SWAT and tactical teams searched every store in the center, eventually completing a search of the entire mall, turning it back to mall management at about 11:55 p.m. Some shoppers were found hiding inside some of the stores where employees had invited them to come in for safety, Kruger said.
Witnesses reported hearing 15 total gunshots. Kruger said two pistols were recovered including a 9mm handgun. In a press conference last Thursday, Kruger said the two suspects shooting at one another were familiar to each other. The other victims were
See SHOOTING, Page 4
Bensenville Park District steps up COVID-19 mitigation efforts Due to recent significant increases in local COVID-19 transmission rates, the Bensenville Park District has announced the steps it is taking to mitigate the spread of the virus to promote and enhance the safety of its patrons and employees. While facilities are scheduled to remain open, the following mitigation actions will be taken: • The district will increase frequency of cleaning and sanitation and strictly enforce mask, social distancing and sanitary guidelines at its indoor facilities. • Additional measures will be taken to ensure social distancing for Winter Break Escape participants. • Active adult programs, including BINGO and cards, will be paused until Thursday, Jan. 6. • Open gym will be paused through Jan. 6. • White Pines Golf Club will remain open to golfers as weather per-
See EFFORTS, Page 4
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SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent
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Fenton cheer team brings home First Place trophy Congratulations to Fenton’s cheer squad for winning first place in the medium varsity division of the Oswego Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 18. Coach Jamie Cademartori said her Bison cheerleaders have a particularly difficult routine this year and she’s proud of their commitment and hard work.
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