Northwestern lifts shelter-in-place following shooting on Clark Street Beach, one dead and two injured

Joanna Hou, Campus Editor

Content Warning: This breaking news story includes mentions of gun violence and death.

As of 9:57 p.m. Wednesday, Northwestern has lifted its shelter-in-place.

“The emergency near the Evanston Campus is secured and is all clear,” the NUAlert reads. “There is no danger to life safety at this time and no need to shelter in place.”

An 11:03 a.m. email from the Evanston Parks and Recreation Department said the Evanston Police Department has released the crime scene at Clark Street Beach, as well as the park space around it.

Thursday morning, the Cook County Medical Examiner identified the person who died as 18-year-old Jacquis Irby. Officials have not released the names of the two 15-year-olds injured, according to NBC News Chicago.

A 7:37 a.m. tweet from EPD said Sheridan Road is open, but parts of Clark Street Beach and the surrounding park and path remain closed to the public as police conduct their investigation. EPD “advises to avoid the area if possible.”

A 10:00 p.m. tweet from EPD Wednesday said the investigation indicated two offenders. There are no suspects in custody. They first fled on foot and then by vehicle. At 10:05 p.m., EPD added the incident “does not appear to be a random act.” EPD said to proceed with caution.

At an EPD press conference at about 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, police said three people were shot. EPD Cmdr. Ryan Glew said one victim, a man between the ages of 18 and 19, is dead. One boy, around 15 years old, is in critical condition and the other boy, also 15, suffered a minor gunshot wound, he said. EPD said the situation is secure, but Northwestern is keeping its students on lockdown.

On Wednesday, the EPD said although it dispatched its police around 8:10 p.m., NU did not send an alert to students until about 8:45 p.m.

A 9:24 p.m. tweet from NU Wednesday said police are searching campus and surveillance film. Students and faculty are advised to continue sheltering in place.

According to a 9:16 p.m. tweet from EPD Wednesday, Sheridan Road is closed between Davis Street and Clark Street.

A 9:08 p.m. tweet from EPD Wednesday said there are two male gunshot victims who have been transported to an area hospital. No suspects are currently in custody but EPD said there “does not appear to be a continued threat.” In a separate tweet from 9:08 p.m., EPD said neither of the gunshot victims are NU students.

A 9:08 p.m tweet from the University Wednesday said the shooting happened right before 8:30 p.m. and the suspects were spotted heading north on Sheridan Road in a sedan.

An 8:53 p.m. tweet from EPD Wednesday said the shooting is located in the 1800 block of Sheridan and added the incident is not affiliated with NU. According to the Tweet, there is no indication of an active shooter.

According to a tweet from the University at 8:42 p.m. Wednesday, the suspect fled “north toward campus.” In an 8:54 p.m. email, Bruce Lewis, NU’s senior associate vice president for safety and security, told the community to continue to shelter in place as police search for suspects.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.