Highland Park Parade Gunman Fired From Rooftop, Police Say Shooting Appears ‘Completely Random'

The shooting at Highland Park's Independence Day parade Monday, which left six people dead and about two dozen "seriously injured," appeared to be "random" and done from an area rooftop, according to police.

"Stay vigilant right now. This person has not been identified by all means at this point. This appears to be completely random," said Lake County Sheriff Sgt. Christopher Covelli.

"Very random, very intentional, very sad day," he added.

The suspected gunman, Robert "Bobby" E Crimo III, appeared to have fired from a rooftop of a secured, nearby business, Covelli said. Police noted that a high-powered rifle was used in the shooting, though details were not immediately available.

In separate social media videos, several gunshots could be heard, followed by a pause and another round of gunfire. In some videos, more than 50 shots are heard.

Anyone with photos or videos of the incident should turn it in to police, officials said.

"We're asking anybody with any video surveillance that they may have, please review your cell phones," Covelli said. "If you were snapping pictures in the area of Second and Central today, that could help investigators. They may see something in there that may be useful and allow them to proceed further with the investigation. Any business owners in that area we're asking, please, review your video surveillance. If you have any video surveillance of that area at that time, even if you don't see anything in there, we would love to be able to take a look at that so we can further our investigation."

At least six people were killed and approximately two dozen people were "seriously injured" Monday morning in the shooting, officials confirmed, urging residents to continue to "shelter in place."

The shooting happened at 10:14 a.m. in downtown Highland Park during the city's Fourth of July parade, authorities said.

Crimo, 22, was taken into custody following a police pursuit that ended in north suburban Lake Forest.

Authorities said Crimo's vehicle was located in North Chicago and officers attempted to stop him before he fled the scene, leading police on a brief pursuit before coming to a stop. He was taken into custody "without incident," police said. He was being taken to the Highland Park Police Department for questioning, but no charges had been filed as of 6:50 p.m.

Crimo, who police said is from the area but did not specify if he is from Highland Park, was believed to be driving a 2010 silver Honda Fit with the Illinois license plates DM80653. Video from NBC's Sky 5 chopper showed a vehicle of that make and model stopped at an intersection in Lake Forest with visible damage.

NorthShore Highland Park Hospital said in a statement that the facility was treating 26 people, 10 of whom were transported by ambulance to hospitals. Doctors noted that at least four to five of the shooting victims were children.

"A vast majority suffered gunshot wounds and the remaining sustained injuries as a result of the ensuing chaos at the parade," NorthShore Highland Park Hospital said.

"We mobilized quickly and within 30 minutes of the event had 20 additional physicians (surgeons, trauma surgeons, orthopedic specialists, etc.) and nurses and other support staff present. We have both crisis and social workers available on-site to assist with family and friends of the individuals injured."

Dr. David Baum, who attended the parade Monday morning, helped treat those who were injured in the shooting.

"The bodies that I saw, it was not an image that anyone who's not a physician would have an easy time processing," said Dr. Baum.

"There were people who were immediately killed with horrific gunshot wounds."

A large police presence from the state and neighboring suburban Chicago departments was seen along the parade route.

"This is an active incident," the city of Highland Park wrote in a statement. "All individuals are advised to shelter in place. Law enforcement agencies are searching for the suspect; evidence of a firearm has been recovered. Numerous law enforcement officers are responding and have secured a perimeter around downtown Highland Park."

Independence Day parades and events across the north suburbs were canceled following the shooting.

Larry Bloom, who was in the area when shots began, said at first spectators thought the "popping" sound was part of the parade.

"You heard like a 'pop, pop, pop,' and I think everybody kinda thought maybe it was a display on one of the floats and then it just opened up," Bloom said.

"I was screaming and people were screaming," Bloom said. "They were panicking and and they were just scattering and I, you know, we didn't know. You know, it was right on top of us."