Police investigating the Highland Park mass shooting have said that the suspected killer, Robert E. Crimo III, was taken into custody on Monday. The police have described him as the person of interest in the Independence Day mass shooting incident, which left six people dead and over two dozens injured. Earlier, the number of people injured was said to over a dozen.
Robert E. Crimo III was taken into custody near Lake Forest, Illinois. This was revealed by officials during a short news conference.
According to authorities, Crimo was spotted by a North Chicago officer who attempted a traffic stop. The suspected killer, according to CNN, led officers on a brief chase before being stopped. Officers managed to overpower him and took him into custody without incident.
Arrangements are being made to take him to the Highland Park Police Department.
The police are still describing him as a person of interest and have not named Crimo a suspect.
The Illinois killer had fired multiple shots from a rooftop of a house at those taking part in the Independence Day parade. At least six people were killed and dozens injured. Those injured are being treated at a local hospital.
The shooting in Highland Park, about 25 miles north of Chicago, had sent shockwaves across America, which is facing an alarming rise in gun violence in the recent weeks.
Reacting to the incident, President Joe Biden said, “Jill and I are shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community this Independence Day. As always, we are grateful for the first responders and law enforcement on the scene. I will not give up fighting the epidemic of gun violence.”
The city of Highland Park had immediately decided to cancel the 4 July parade as it asked people to remain indoors and avoid visiting downtown. A massive manhunt was launched for a 22-year-old white male, who has now been identified as Robert E. Crimo III.