Approximately six shots were fired in and outside of a home in the 1100 block of Thomas Avenue at about 7:11 p.m. on March 12, according to Forest Park Police Chief Thomas Aftanas. There reportedly were no injuries.
“It definitely wasn’t a random act,” Aftanas said. “It doesn’t happen often, especially in the residential areas, but obviously it does happen and it can happen anywhere.”
Aftanas said there were approximately three people in the house before the shooting –with possibly two in the basement and another upstairs — when about three others arrived at the house and “supposedly something started upstairs.”
The police chief said there were a “couple” of suspected shots fired in the home, as well as a few outside the house, but he wasn’t sure of the exact numbers in each location.
Police believe a 9 mm weapon was used, although they did not recover any firearms. Aftanas said there was some evidence that marijuana was being used in the home, although “we don’t know if that had anything to do with what started this. It’s still too early to tell.”
Aftanas said police have identified at least two persons of interest — a man who lives in the home and a man who is a resident of Bellwood. Both have been interviewed and released pending other witness interviews and “more evidence has to be gone through.” Aftanas said he wasn’t aware of any other incidents that had occurred in the home.
He urged anyone with information or surveillance video to call the department’s non-emergency line at 708-366-2425.
“We would love to hear from you,” Aftanas said.
