Morton Grove police detectives are investigating after someone reportedly fired shots in the parking lot of a local funeral home Friday night, a few blocks away from where the village was hosting family movie night at Harrer Park.
At around 8:54 p.m. Friday, police responded to a call of shots fired in the parking lot at 6251 Dempster Street. Reportedly, a “large group” had gathered in the parking lot when a physical altercation occurred. During the disturbance, someone is alleged to have brandished a firearm and shot three rounds into the air, according to a police department news release.
Police stated in the release that the individuals believed to be involved in the incident fled the area in vehicles before police officers arrived.
Police Commander Anthony Anderson confirmed with Pioneer Press that the address is to the Simkins Funeral Home. It was not immediately clear whether the incident was related to a service or other business there.
Anderson said no further details directly related to the alleged shooting would be provided, pending the ongoing investigation.
“We’re doing our due diligence on that. We have detectives working on that,” he said. “We’re not going to release any information because it may taint our investigation.”
Officials stated in the release, and Anderson reaffirmed, that there were no injuries reported. Authorities said there was no immediate or ongoing threat to the general public in the wake of the gunfire.
“Suspect and vehicle information was promptly shared with regional law enforcement partners. The Morton Grove Police Department is pursuing several leads,” according to the release.
The funeral home is about a three-minute walk to Harrer Park where the Park District was holding its summer recurring Friday night movie showing. Families had gathered at the park to watch Disney/Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.”
Some individuals reported on social media hearing the shots and mistaking them for fireworks or misfiring vehicles. Anderson said the park was not impacted and the movie showing went on without incident.
Police ask anyone with information about the shots fired incident to contact the Morton Grove Police Department at 847-470-5200.