One man died and one woman was injured in a recent shooting at Oakbrook Center. The midday shooting on Wednesday, Sept. 30, drew a heavy response from several area law enforcement agencies.
Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis spoke at a news conference a few hours after the shooting, and noted that at approximately 12:01 p.m., police responded to the parking lot outside the L.L. Bean store at 2202 Oakbrook Center for a report of shots fired.
“Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male and a wounded female, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds,” stated Strockis. He added that officers immediately secured the area, and that law enforcement personnel from multiple jurisdictions, including Elmhurst, Villa Park, and Oakbrook Terrace, provided assistance. The Oak Brook Fire Department also responded to treat the female victim, who was transported to an area hospital.
“Our preliminary investigation indicates that two vehicles, carrying a total of five individuals, met in the parking lot,” said Strockis. “An altercation occurred between the individuals, and shots were fired during that altercation.”
According to Strockis, one of the vehicles remained in the parking lot after the shooting. He said that the other vehicle and its occupants were taken into custody a short time later in Oakbrook Terrace.
The man who died in the shooting was later identified as 28-year-old Justin Hill of Dolton.
Strockis mentioned during the Sept. 30 news conference that the Oak Brook Police Department issued multiple posts on social media shortly after the shooting, and that Oakbrook Center remained open following the incident. The department’s updates at 12:40 p.m. and 1:10 p.m. on the day of the shooting noted that there was no immediate threat, and that there was a heavy police presence in the area.
“Oakbrook Center is, and will remain, the premier shopping destination in the Midwest, and the safety of everyone who lives, works, and visits here remains our highest priority,” said Strockis during his remarks at the news conference.
On Friday, Oct. 2, the Oak Brook Police Department issued an update on the fatal shooting, and noted that the three subjects who were in custody had been released.
“Investigators have worked diligently and in close coordination with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office throughout this investigation to ensure all available evidence was thoroughly reviewed, and the appropriate course of action was determined,” related the police department in its update. “Following a comprehensive review of the evidence, the three individuals who had been in the custody of the Oak Brook Police Department were released last night [Oct. 1] without charges. The injured female remains hospitalized at a local medical facility.”
