River Forest, IL – On Saturday, December 7, 2024, at approximately 3:54AM, River Forest Police responded to a Burglary at Ulta Beauty, 7231 W. Lake Street. Officers arrived and discovered the front door glass had been shattered by the offenders. Three offenders had entered the business and removed several items from the business. The offenders fled the scene prior to arrival of officers. While on scene, officers heard gunshots fired in the area of Lake Street and Harlem Avenue. Officers received a dispatch of a male victim reporting that he was shot at and struck by a bullet while he was in the area of Lake Street and Harlem Avenue. The victim was transported to Loyola University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The shooting was related to a road rage incident. Officers reviewed River Forest street camera and license plate reader images and learned that the offenders in the vehicle involved in the burglary were working in concert with the offenders involved in the shooting. The vehicles were reported stolen and had fled the area.

Information regarding the burglary and shooting was shared with area police departments The vehicles involved in the burglary and shooting were located by Chicago Police in the area of 105th Street and Maryland Avenue and later recovered by River Forest Police. Proceeds from the burglary were visible inside one of the vehicles. Detectives obtained search warrants, the vehicles were processed, and evidence was located. A 7.62 AK-style firearm and approximately $50,000 in stolen goods, including merchandise taken in the burglary, were recovered.

Detectives and officers worked closely with Chicago Police and Cook County Sheriff’s Police and located four suspects. Three adults with active warrants and one juvenile were taken into custody in by Chicago Police in the 5th District. The juvenile was later released to his family. The investigation continues with the combined resources of the Chicago, Cook County Sheriff’s, and River Forest Police Departments.