Police have detained and arrested Robert E. Crimo III, the perpetrator of the fatal shooting at the July 4 parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
Just before 8 p.m. ET, authorities announced during a brief press conference that he had been arrested close to Lake Forest, Illinois.
During a July 4th parade in downtown Highland Park, Illinois, there was a shooting that resulted in at least six fatalities and numerous injuries.
According to police, the shooter appeared to be firing from a rooftop, and a “high-powered rifle” has been found nearby.
When witnesses realized they had heard gunshots rather than fireworks, they reportedly fled frantically. North of Chicago, Highland Park is about 25 miles away.
According to reports from the authorities cited by CNN, a North Chicago police officer tried to conduct a traffic stop after spotting Crimo.
Crimo then fled and led officers on a brief pursuit before being stopped in Lake Forest, Illinois.
He was taken into custody without incident and will be taken to the Highland Park police department.
When asked, authorities said they are still calling Crimo a “person of interest” while they investigate and connect him to the scene.
The gunman had opened fire at the parade at around 10:15 local time (15:15 GMT), just a few minutes after it began.
According to BBC, the event was scheduled to include floats, marching bands, and community entertainment as part of the city’s Independence Day celebrations.
But what should have been one of the happiest days of the year quickly turned to panic, with pushchairs, purses and lawn chairs left discarded on the street as crowds fled from the scene.