Shooting Incident in Unincorporated Arlington Heights: Man Injured During Suspected Car Theft on Galesburg Ave., According to Witnesses; Sheriff’s Office Investigating

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation following an incident where a man was shot in the face on Friday morning in unincorporated Arlington Heights.

Sheriff’s deputies responded about 3:20 a.m. to the 3900-block of Galseburg Avenue for a report of a person shot in the face.

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The victim was taken to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, and his condition is not known, the sheriff’s office said.

Chopper 7 flew above the scene, as crime tape surrounded a car in the driveway of a home.

Neighbors said someone apparently tried stealing a Corvette when the homeowner came outside.

The sheriff’s office said the suspects ran away from the scene before police arrived.

Jolanta Wala, a neighbor across the street who knows this family well, said she was woken up by the police presence early Friday morning.

Wala expressed shock, stating, “I was so surprised because I had no idea what was going on at this time, but the number of sheriff cars and everything pointed out something serious was happening. That’s unbelievable in this neighborhood. I mean, we have a great neighborhood; we have a neighborhood watch. So, pretty much everyone knows everyone.”

Others heard a car alarm about 3 a.m., followed by gunshots.

Chuck Hrycko shared his experience, saying, “I was in bed, and I had my window open. And first, I heard a car alarm go off. Then, about a minute later, I heard four or five gunshots it sounded like.”

Arlington Heights police sent out a letter to residents on Tuesday, warning them of a recent spike in crime around town.

Police said, just in the last two weeks, there have been four reports of stolen vehicles and five more reports of vehicles damaged during attempted robberies.

“To be honest with you, up to this point my garage was unlocked, and I have a new car. So, going forward, this door will never be unlocked again, and I’m even considering getting a big dog,” Wala said.

So police are urging residents to take precaution around their vehicles parked outside, as this investigation continues.

“Surprising, right down the street on the next block, and I just couldn’t believe it. And I feel sorry for him and his family,” Hrycko said.

No one was in custody later Friday.