Classes were canceled Wednesday at Lincoln Middle School in suburban Berwyn after three people were shot and killed outside the school Tuesday afternoon, in what police described was an “isolated” and “domestic-related incident.”
The shooting, which took place just after 4 p.m., prompted a school lockdown, with witnesses reporting hearing dozens of gunshots and the public asked to avoid the area.
“Today, at approximately 4:05 p.m., a gunman approached a car in front of Lincoln Middle School and began firing shots into the car before turning the gun on himself,” a statement from Dr. Michelle Smith, Superintendent of Berwyn North School District 98 read. “Tragically, this incident resulted in the deaths of three people. None of the individuals killed were students from Lincoln Middle School. This was a domestic incident and there is no ongoing threat to the school community.”
Smith’s note added that schools will be closed for instruction Wednesday, but that social workers and counselors would be available onsite for students seeking support.
According to the Berwyn Police Department, officers heard gunfire shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday near Lincoln Middle School, at 6432 16th St., and responded to the scene. After arriving, officers found a man firing a rifle into another vehicle.
As officers approached, they came under fire from the suspect, police said. Officers took cover and did not return fire.
During the shooting, three people suffered gunshot wounds, and all three were pronounced dead, authorities said.
“The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available,” the department said in a release. “We urge the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
Video captured by NBC Chicago’s helicopter Sky 5 showed two vehicles in the middle of the street and what appeared to be blood on the sidewalk. A number of police officers were working on the scene, which was cordoned off with crime scene tape.
Police in Berwyn did not immediately confirm to NBC Chicago further details about the suspect or the victims, their relationship to each other.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
