Thursday, March 28

4 people dead in Oak Forest fire, barricade situation; neighbors say shootings caught on camera


OAK FOREST, Ill. (WLS) — Four people are dead in Oak Forest after neighbors said a man was seen shooting his family members outside his home before barricading himself inside and setting the home on fire.

The man’s next-door neighbor’s Ring camera captured video of the incident Friday morning in the 5500-block of Ann Marie Lane in Oak Forest, in which the man can be seen shooting three people. Neighbors said one person ran away from the scene.

The man can then be seen going back inside the home and barricading himself. Shortly after, there was a massive fire.

The Cook County medical examiner confirmed they are responding to four deaths at the home.

Neighbors said they heard more than a dozen gunshots about 6:30 a.m.

Oak Forest officials tweeted just after 7 a.m. that an individual was barricaded in the 5500-block of Ann Marie Lane.

They asked residents who live in the area to shelter in place, but said there was no longer a threat to the community about 10 a.m.

Chopper7HD flew over the home just after 7:15 a.m., and a large fire had broken out.

RELATED: Naperville weather: House catches fire after lightning strike, officials say

Flames were visible through the roof, and there was heavy smoke.

About 7:25 a.m., fire crews were attempting to put the blaze out.

Oak Forest police said they initially responded to a domestic disturbance involving a report of gunfire in the area.

When they arrived, they found two gunshot victims in the driveway and a third in the road, south of the home.

Also Read  Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ expands to close to 100 hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific

Oak Forest police pulled the victims into their squad cars, while the suspect was still on the scene, in an effort to help them from a safer location.

They were taken to local hospitals, but later died from their injuries.

A child exited the home, while police remained on the scene and before the fire broke out.

Neighbors said the family had lived in the home about eight years.

Another neighbor said the family had been acting strangely in recent weeks, and said he heard a lot of arguing and screaming. He said police had been called to the home before.

Emergency crews were on the scene all morning, and went inside to investigate once the fire was put out.

There, they found the fourth deceased person, who is believed to be the suspect.

The identities of those involved were not immediately released.

Neighbors are truly devastated and in shock over what’s happened.

“It’s a very tragic situation today; we don’t know who’s been hurt, if anyone was able to get out of the house,” Cheryl Wilson said.

“We just ask that everyone pray for the family,” Cody Wilson said.

Central Avenue is shut down from 155th Street to Independence Avenue, as police and fire officials continue to investigate.

Oak Forest High School canceled its Homecoming Parade Friday, citing “an ongoing incident in the community.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Ryan Burnett at the Oak Forest Police Department at 7086871376 or [email protected].

Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *