Evanston Police have shot and killed a suspect who allegedly took a woman hostage at the International House of Pancakes on Howard Street. The woman, who was shot in the neck, is in critical condition. The suspect is believed to have shot and killed several other people in Chicago before making his way to Evanston.
At about 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, the man entered the CVS pharmacy on the northeast corner of Howard Street and Asbury Avenue, where he announced a robbery, said Chicago police, and, according to Evanston Police, allegedly accosted a woman in the store.
When Evanston Police arrived at the CVS in response to a 911 call, the suspect ran across Asbury Avenue to the IHOP, where he allegedly took a different woman hostage and shot her in the neck. He then ran east and at some point crossed Howard Street into Chicago, ending up in the parking lot of the Dollar General Store at 2341 W. Howard, where he was shot and killed by Evanston Police.
Evanston Police Chief Demitrous Cook said at the scene of the shooting, “There was an exchange of gunfire. I’m not sure who fired first, but it was in response to violence that he perpetrated in our town.”
Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown tweeted last night, “Thanks to the bravery of Evanston Police Officers and with the support of Chicago Police Officer, a violent criminal and his murderous rampage were stopped.”