Police told residents and hospital workers near an Evanston medical campus to clear out Tuesday evening as officers launched drones over the neighborhood during an active investigation. City officials urged people to steer clear of the area, while stressing there was no immediate threat to the public.
The response started shortly after 5:30 p.m. in the area around Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital, according to NBC Chicago. The City of Evanston said police had boosted their presence, evacuated the surrounding area and were using drones to help with the operation.
Hospital Access Tightened As Drones Went Up
Endeavor Health lists the facility as a Level I trauma center with a comprehensive stroke center, which made the temporary access limits especially disruptive for patients, staff and visitors. The hospital’s emergency department is located at 2650 Ridge Ave., according to Endeavor Health.
An Endeavor employee told NBC Chicago she was allowed to leave the hospital, but security was not letting people back into the building. Authorities had not publicly shared what triggered the police activity as of the report, and residents were asked to follow officers’ directions while the investigation continued.
