Shooting At Evanston Park Puts Nearby Schools On Lockdown

EVANSTON, IL — A shooting at a nearby park put Evanston Township High School under precautionary lockdown on Thursday, according to police.

Evanston police said they responded to a shooting at Mason Park at 12:15 p.m., which is located just a block from the high school campus. ETHS officials said police notified them about the incident at approximately 12:20 p.m.

Other Evanston/Skokie School District 65 schools were also notified about the incident, as well as a nearby private preschool.

ETHS notified parents that the lockdown was ordered out of an abundance of caution. Officials said there is no direct threat inside the school building.

All lockdowns were lifted as of 3:20 p.m., Thursday.

Investigators reviewed available video footage of the area, and they determined that two small groups of people exchanged gunfire in the park before fleeing on foot.

Multiple bullet shell casings were found at the park, police said.

In response to the incident, Evanston police plan to increase patrols during school arrival and dismissal times for the rest of the week.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone who may have additional information about this incident was encouraged to contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000. Tips can also be shared by texting EPDTIP to 274637.