No one was hurt after reports of gunfire sent a jolt through an Aurora neighborhood near High and Superior streets on Wednesday afternoon, police said. Several nearby schools briefly shifted into a "secure and teach" status while officers swept the area and confirmed students and staff were safe.
The incident began around 3:25 p.m., when an Aurora officer heard what sounded like gunshots and started checking the neighborhood, according to the Chicago Tribune. Officers soon located a 23-year-old man nearby who was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, and his possible role remains under active investigation. Police have not released any names or said whether charges might follow as the case moves forward.
Officers Recover Firearm, Classrooms Get Back To Normal
During their search, officers recovered a firearm along with other items described as having "evidentiary value." Once police determined the area was secure, schools were cleared to leave the "secure and teach" status and return to normal operations. The shift in school status was ordered out of an abundance of caution, and there was no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the surrounding community, Police Chief Matt Thomas said in a statement, as reported by Patch.
Police Seek Video, Witnesses, Anonymous Tips
Investigators are asking anyone who might know what happened to contact the Aurora Police Investigations Division at 630-256-5500 or leave an anonymous tip with Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000 or through p3tips.com/135. Those details are also listed on the department's Investigations Division page at the Aurora Police Department.
The investigation remains active, and detectives are continuing to track down leads and review any potential video evidence. Police said they plan to release more information when they can, and residents should expect further updates as the probe continues, Patch reported.
