Police said an unnamed white man, aged 37, was in custody after three people were killed and three others wounded in a shooting he described as a random act at a bowling alley in northern Illinois.
At around 6:55 p.m., Rockford Police Chief Daniel O’Shea said in a press briefing that police had received a phone call about the Don Carter Lanes shooting. Rockford is located 80 miles northwest of Chicago.
“When the officers arrived at the scene, the shooter was still in the building,” O’Shea said. The officers did not release their weapons that we know at this stage, but the person we think is responsible, and the only person we believe in at this point, let us intervene, we may be under arrest. “
He said that three dead were found at the scene and three other injured people were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He said the shooting took place inside and outside the hall.
It was unclear if the wounded and the dead were employees or caregivers, O’Shea said, adding that at least two teenagers were shot.
Late on Saturday, Rockford Police posted on Twitter that the suspect was being held, “this is an active and ongoing investigation.”
“I am angry and saddened by the violence tonight at Don Carter Lanes,” Tom McNamara, mayor of Rockford, said in a statement posted on Facebook. “My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones. I also think of those who have been injured and my hopes for a speedy and full recovery.”
Don Carter Lanz posted on his Facebook page: “A heinous act of violence by an evil coward that took innocent lives tonight. The entire bowling community is crying over the meaningless loss of life and praying for families. Please God be with their friends and family. Thank you law enforcement. For your heroic actions that prevented further loss of life.
