VILLA PARK, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Chicago man was ordered held on $1 million bail for allegedly shooting a man Saturday evening at a Villa Park amusement park in the presence of several of young children.
Meco Norris, 25, pulled out a gun and shot a man three times at Safari Land indoor amusement park, 701 North Ave., according to the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.
The man was taken to a hospital with gunshots to his chest, shoulder, and elbow and was released that evening. Prosecutors did not say what led up to the shooting.
After the shooting, Norris ran into a residential area and was arrested around 3 a.m. Sunday at a home in Chicago, police said.
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The shooting happened in the presence of several children, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said.
“While dozens of children enjoyed an evening at a popular indoor children’s amusement park with their families, it is alleged that Mr. Norris pulled a loaded weapon, aimed it at another man and fired, striking his victim three times.” Berlin said in a statement. “Mr. Norris’ alleged actions, with multiple children literally just feet away, demonstrate the most horrifying disregard for public safety I have seen in my thirty-plus years as a prosecutor. We are all very thankful that no children were injured during this alleged attack. I commend the Villa Park Police Department for their outstanding work in quickly identifying and apprehending the defendant in this case as well as the Chicago and Lombard Police Departments for their assistance. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Nicole Wilkes-English, Helen Kapas and Michael Pingaj for their efforts these past several days in preparing a strong case against Mr. Norris.”
There were also hundreds of other people inside the venue who witnessed the shooting, Villa Park Police Chief Michael Rivas said.
“While one person was physically harmed in this incident, there are hundreds of more victims, from very young children to grandparents, who will bear scars emotionally and psychologically for a long time,” Rivas said in a statement. “We will pursue any and all who commit a violent crime in Villa Park and will do all we can to protect the public by bringing the person responsible to justice. The successful apprehension of the suspect in this case would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Villa Park, Lombard and Chicago Police Departments. I also thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their legal guidance and support with this case.”
Norris, who lives in the Logan Square neighborhood, faces a counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and reckless discharge of a firearm.
His next court date is Dec. 17.
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(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2021. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)