Overnight Gunfire Shuts I-294 Near 111th In Worth

Overnight drivers on the Tri-State Tollway suddenly found themselves in the middle of an active crime scene early Tuesday, after shots were reported in the northbound lanes of I-294 near 111th Street in Worth. Illinois State Police troopers rushed to the area around 3 a.m., temporarily shutting down the interstate and tangling the overnight commute. Initial checks turned up no reported injuries, and traffic was rolling again a little after 5 a.m.

What officials said

Troopers are still piecing together exactly what happened, but the reported gunfire came in around 3 a.m. near 111th Street in Worth, according to ABC7 Chicago. The outlet reported that no injuries had been confirmed at the scene and that all lanes of the Tri-State reopened shortly after 5 a.m. once investigators wrapped up their initial sweep.

Statewide efforts to curb expressway shootings

This latest call on I-294 comes as expressway shootings remain a top priority for state troopers across the Chicago area. In a January 2023 press release, the Illinois State Police said expressway shootings in the Chicago region dropped about 47% in 2022, a decline officials credited in part to stepped-up enforcement, automated license-plate readers, and expanded air operations.

Traffic effects and witness tips

The shutdown forced overnight drivers in the southwest suburbs onto detours, slowing anyone trying to slip through during the early morning lull. Investigators are now asking for the public’s help. Anyone with video or information from the Tri-State near 111th Street is urged to contact Illinois State Police Zone 1 at 847-294-4400 or email [email protected], according to FOX 32 Chicago.

Ongoing investigation

As of Tuesday morning, troopers had not released any information about possible suspects or whether any vehicles were actually hit, ABC7 Chicago reported. The investigation remains active, and officials said additional details will be shared as they become available.