An 18-year-old Evanston man is now in custody after police connected him to an April 26 shooting on the 700 block of Howard Street that left one person with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities say he is facing felony weapons charges while detectives continue to work the case.
The scene and police response
Officers were called around 6:08 p.m. on April 26 for reports of gunfire in the 700 block of Howard Street, where investigators say they later found evidence of shots fired inside a local business. A person suffering from gunshot wounds was located a short time later near Main Street and Elmwood Avenue and taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Detectives processed multiple scenes and pulled together surveillance video and witness statements as part of the investigation.
Investigation and arrest
Evanston detectives identified 18-year-old Arthur Mitchell Jr. as a suspect and arrested him on April 29 in the 2100 block of Church Street, as reported by Patch. He faces one count of reckless discharge of a firearm and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm, both class 4 felonies. Police have not released a possible motive and say the investigation remains active.
Court status
Mitchell has already appeared in court in Skokie and is scheduled to return on May 28, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The Cook County Sheriff's Office provided the court date, and prosecutors have not released further public filings while detectives continue processing evidence.
Why police are watching
The arrest lands amid a run of recent gun-related incidents in Evanston, including an April 23 exchange of gunfire at Mason Park that prompted extra patrols around local schools. According to a City of Evanston release, officers recovered multiple shell casings at Mason Park and have boosted patrols in the area. Anyone with information is asked to call the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000 or text EPDTIP to 274637. Investigators say the Howard Street case remains open and they are urging any additional witnesses to come forward.
