Oak Lawn police seek men who shot at home

By Bob Bong

Oak Lawn police are hunting for four men who shot up a house in the 5400 block of 99^th Place after a homeowner shined a lot on them early Monday morning.

Police said the call of shots fired came in at 4:49 a.m. April 18.

Police said a homeowner heard a loud noise and looked out and saw three men next to his neighbor’s 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

After shining a light at the group, one or more of the men began to fire shots from a handgun at the neighbor. Three rounds struck the front of the neighbor’s single-family home. Nobody was injured.

The three men then climbed into a blue Mercedes SUV that was parked on the street. The vehicle fled eastbound on 99th Place at a high rate of speed before striking a tree on the parkway of the Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School.

Police later learned that the Mercedes had been reported stolen to the Chicago Police Department on April 15.

After striking the tree, four men attempted to carjack an innocent mother who happened to be driving south on Minnick Avenue with her small child shortly after the crash.

As she was traveling, she was approached by the men. One of the men pointed a handgun at her while another attempted to open the passenger side door of her vehicle. In fear for her safety and that of her child, she hit the gas and accelerated and was able to escape unharmed.

An extensive search of the area was completed with the assistance of the Bedford Park Police Canine Unit. No arrests have been made, but the investigation is underway.

This was the second incident in the past two weeks in which offenders attempting to steal a car fired shots at the victim or witness.

Police said that if you are a witness to a similar incident, and unless a life is being threatened, do not confront the offenders. In Oak Lawn, and in numerous other jurisdictions, these offenders have been found to be armed and have shown to have no regard for human life.

Police said that if you see or hear something, please call 911 and provide as much of a description of the incident that you can safely obtain and if possible remain on the line with the dispatcher until police arrive.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call the Oak Lawn Police Detective Division at 708-907-4051 or text tips to 708-613-8477.