Three people were killed and at least three wounded by gunshots fired at a bowling alley in Illinois on Saturday night.
The shots were fired at approximately 6:55 p.m. at Don Carter Lanes in Rockford, triggering a police response.
Police took a person of interest into custody and the area was safe, Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea told reporters outside the establishment. Police later said the suspect, described as a 37-year-old white male, was in custody.
Two teenagers were among those who were struck by bullets. People were struck both inside and outside the bowling alley. Three people were confirmed dead while another three were being treated at local hospitals for gunshot wounds.
When officers arrived on the scene, the suspected shooter was still inside the building. No officers fired their weapons during the incident, according to the police chief.
“We’re working with the business owners. They are on scene, providing all cooperation they can to help us,” he said.
In a statement early Sunday, Don Carter Lanes said, “A heinous act of violence by an evil coward took innocent life tonight.”
“The entire bowling community mourns the senseless loss of life and prays for the families. God please be with their friends and families. Thank you to law enforcement for your heroic actions that prevented further loss of life,” it added.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Dec. 29.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said he was angered and saddened by the violence that occurred.
“My thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones. I’m also thinking of those who were injured and my hopes are with them for a quick and full recovery. I appreciate all of our first responders who quickly and heroically arrived to secure the scene,” he said in a statement.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said her thoughts were with the victims.
“Thanks to the brave first responders who quickly secured the scene. While we don’t know everything yet, we know it’s long past time for commonsense gun safety measures,” she wrote in a tweet.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said he was praying for the victims and their family and thanked law enforcement for quickly apprehending the suspect.
Rockford is about 88 miles northwest of Chicago.
