DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Two individuals suffered gunshot wounds in Decatur on Saturday. Initially, the police dispersed a crowd of 300-400 people at around 3 a.m., but the group reconvened, leading a disagreement to turn into violence.
Decatur Police Department officers responded to the vicinity of E. Main and S. Illinois Streets early Saturday morning following several reports that involved partying, fighting, and gunshots.
Upon arrival, officers heard gunfire and the sound of bullets whizzing by. The law enforcement team managed to scatter the crowd, but some members returned once police vacated the premises.
Sgt. Rolfs from the Decatur Police Department mentioned that the people who reassembled got into a spat, which eventually led to gunfire. The victims, located in the vicinity, were struck by the bullets. The police believe that neither victim was involved in the actual firing of the shots.
A 20-year-old woman was shot once in the hand and a 27-year-old man was shot four times — once in each limb. Both are expected to be okay.
Officers later recovered multiple 9mm casings. They also found property damage in the area.
Rolfs advises reporting any social media posts promoting a block takeover or spontaneous party, instead of participating.
“I urge everyone to avoid pop-up parties,” Rolfs expressed. “The potential for death, injury, or permanent harm outweighs any thrill from attending such events.”
No arrests have been made at this time and the Decatur Police Department is still investigating. Anyone with additional information or surveillance video taken near the incident should contact the Decatur Police Department at 217-424-2711. To submit tips anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers on their website, at 217-423-8477 or text DPD33 to 274637.
