Macomb police said they arrested a person of interest in connection with the shooting early Saturday that left one person dead and ten others wounded near the campus of Western Illinois University.
The person being detained is charged with Armed Violence. Their name has not been released.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, and they believe photos and videos of the incident exist. They are asking people to send those to citizenconcerns@macombpolice.com.
Individuals with information should call 9-1-1 immediately or contact Macomb Area Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or (309) 836-2222.
Police said people who left personal items at the scene can go to 533 N. Johnson St. at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, to meet with officers and the property manager to collect their possessions. Bring an ID and be prepared to cooperate with officers.
Police were called to the scene at 1:55 a.m.
The shooting happened at an off-campus house party in the 500 block of North Johnson Street.
During a briefing Saturday afternoon, Interim Police Chief Jeff Hamer said the wounded were taken to McDonough District Hospital, which was placed on lockdown.
“It was for precautionary measures. With the influx of witnesses and injured parties, we had to make the scene safe. But all wounded were treated with prompt and urgent care,” Hamer said.
He said some of the victims suffered superficial gunshot wounds, while others were triaged at MDH and then transferred to trauma centers in the region.
Six of the wounded are students at WIU.
Hamer said the person who died was not a university student. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Their identity has not been released.
In a statement to the campus community, WIU President Guiyou Huang said he was "heartbroken, shocked, and saddened to learn of the senseless act of gun violence."
Huang and Hamer both said the shooting is believed to be an isolated incident.
The University Counseling Center said this Quick Reference Guide has contact information for on- and off-campus resources to support the healing process.
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