7 people shot at house party in south suburban Harvey, including 4-yo. injured and suspect killed, authorities say

HARVEY, Ill. — Seven people were shot, including a suspect who was killed and a 4-year-old boy who was injured, at a house party Saturday night in south suburban Harvey, according to authorities.

A Harvey spokesperson says police responded to a shooting in the 14400 block of Des Plaines Street, where a house party was underway, just after 8 p.m., preliminary reports indicating seven people were shot.

According to the spokesperson, two people arrived at the house party and opened fire on the gathering. Someone at the party with a concealed carry license then returned fire.

One of the suspects was shot and pronounced dead at the scene, and the second suspect was injured and taken to the hospital in stable condition. That suspect is now in police custody, the spokesperson says.

One of the shooting victims was a 4-year-old boy, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is currently listed in stable condition, according to the spokesperson.

Additionally, four party attendees were shot. All were taken to area hospitals and are also in stable condition, the spokesperson says.

‘Protected their home’

Terrence Simpkins, who lives in the area, told WGN News “the scene was chaotic.”

“A lot of police, a lot of ambulances, a lot of people laying down on the ground,” Simpkins said. “It was a shame having to see something like that, especially over here, because we don’t have a lot. Nothing happening over here. It was a sad moment for this community here.

“… I guess a couple of guys came by to do something. They ended up getting shot.”

Simpkins said he heard about 30 to 40 gunshots during the incident.

“Regardless of how many gunshots it was, it was one too many,” he said. “One too many for any community.”

A family member, who did not wish to be identified or talk on camera, told WGN a person from the home with a CCL opened fire on the suspects, killing one and sending another to the hospital, which authorities later confirmed.

“That’s the best thing about exercising your rights, having FOID cards and being able to protect your home,” the family member said. “So they protected their home.”

Authorities say this appears to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation is active, and no further information is yet available.