Bullets Fly At Chicago Ridge Commons, Gunfire Erupts From 2 Cars: Cops

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL — People inside two vehicles are believed to have fired gunshots at each other Wednesday evening in the Chicago Ridge Commons parking lot when many businesses were still open or about to close for the night.

Around 9:45 p.m., Chicago Ridge police started receiving calls of shots fired in the Commons' parking lot at 99th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing four men walking through the area and then pairing off and entering a gold vehicle and dark colored vehicle, both possibly Hondas. Police said multiple gunshots were heard being fired from various areas of the parking lot before both vehicles exited from the lot onto Ridgeland Avenue.

Officers recovered a total of 25 spent casings and one live round from the parking lot. Two vehicles parked in the lot were struck by bullets. The front window of a retail store in the commons was also found shattered by gunfire.

It is unclear if the shots began from outside one of the vehicles or if the shooting began as the two cars drove through the parking lot. One of the vehicles was last seen heading southbound and other northbound on Ridgeland Avenue, police said.

Police checked area hospitals to see if anyone walked in with gunshot wounds, but so far there was nothing to indicate if anyone was hit, said Chief Jim Jarolimek, of the Chicago Ridge Police Department.

“We’re thankful nobody in the parking lot was struck,” Jarolimek said. “It was a nice evening. That’s all just luck.”

Police are still trying to determine if the four were visiting one of the establishments in Chicago Ridge Commons. There were no reports at this time of arguments or fighting taking place inside one of the establishments prior to the shooting. It also does not appear to be a vandalism spree at this time, since few other cars and businesses were struck, Jarolimek said.

The investigation continues. Chicago Ridge police are still reviewing security video from the parking lot and businesses, as well as pursuing other paths.

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation, please contact the Chicago Ridge Police Department at 708-425-7831. Tipsters can leave tips anonymously.