Chicago shooting: Suspect planned attack for weeks, police say
A man suspected of killing six people at a 4 July parade near Chicago planned the attack for weeks, police say.
2022-07-05 19:13:57 - VI News Staff
Law enforcement believe that Robert Crimo III, 21, legally bought the high-powered rifle he used in the attack.
The suspect is believed to have disguised himself in women's clothing to escape the scene with the fleeing crowd, officials added.
Some 30 people were also injured in the shooting on Monday in Highland Park, an affluent Chicago suburb.
Police say they are still piecing together evidence from the shooting, during which the suspected gunman is accused of firing more than 70 rounds.
Speaking at a press conference, Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman Chris Covelli said they believed the suspect used a disguise to escape from the scene, walking to his mother's house wearing women's clothing.
"He blended right in with everybody else as they were running around, almost as if he was an innocent spectator as well," Mr Covelli told a press conference.
Investigator's believe the suspect's disguise allowed him to conceal his facial tattoos and aid his escape.
Later on Monday police arrested the 21-year-old while driving a car following a brief pursuit, where he was discovered with a second rifle similar to the one used in the attack.
More firearms were also found in Mr Crimo's home, police said, but no more details were provided.
Police said evidence obtained from a weapon left at the scene was a "major investigative lead" which helped them to identify the suspect.
They believe the Highland Park victims were targeted at random, with no information to suggest that the attack was motivated by racial or religious hatred.
Authorities are still considering what criminal charges to bring against Mr Crimo, who is believed to have acted alone.