Connect with us

Crime

Sniper-styled mass shooting in Chicago, children, elderly, women, fathers, pets all innocent parade goers fired upon by 22 year old man

Published

on

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#USA, July 6, 2022 – On the Highland Park City website is an advertisement listed under “Major Special Events.” inviting residents to “Celebrate our Nation’s 246th birthday in Highland Park!”

Hundreds answered the call to celebrate the land of the free and the brave’s birthday, some meeting at 9:30 for a Children’s Bike & Pet Parade and most setting up along the Fourth of July Parade route from Central Avenue to Sunset Park. Armed police in body armor were along the route to keep people safe.

That should have lasted only an hour and been followed by a ‘Fourth Fest’ with food and carnival rides. Instead 15-minutes after the parade began as students from a local high school band were playing calls of “gunshots!” began to ring out in the crowd. The shooter, a 22-year-old white man who police say has now been caught, had climbed onto a rooftop and began firing into the crowd of students, families, toddlers and the elderly.  Six of those people would die and a further 25 would be rushed to hospital.

Videos of the event show a band director facing the band players who all have their backs turned to the pandemonium, noticing the stampede the Director closes their fists  immediately in an indication to ‘stop playing’ and encourages their bandmates to run. Those students would later alert families on the route telling them:  “Run into sunset” (a local supermarket) according to one witness who spoke to the Chicago Sun Times.

One of videos from the event show a father running away from the shots at breakneck speed pushing his infant in a stroller, adults with babies clutched in their arms, young persons pulling elderly family members, owners tugging their dogs all running as fast as possible as multiple rounds pop off repeatedly in the background.

The video serves as an irrefutable truth, these people were harmless and innocent.

While this incident is gaining most of the coverage there were 7 mass shootings in the country on America’s Birthday, in Chicago Illinois, Queens New York, Kansas City Missouri, Sacramento California, Boston Massachusetts and Illinois Highland Park.

One of the victims was a 76 year old disabled grandfather whose family spoke to the New York Times.  Nicolas Toledo hadn’t wanted to go to the parade but he needed to be with a caretaker at all times.  He was shot three times in the chest.

We were all in shock,” Xochil Toledo, his granddaughter, said.  “We thought it was part of the parade. We realized our grandfather was hit. We saw blood and everything splattered onto us.” Xochil’s boyfriend and uncle were also shot but survived.

Jackie Sunheim a congregant and worker at her synagogue, North Shore Congregation Israel is the only other identified victim.

One father told ABC news about the horror of the parade. He had initially thought the shots were from the navy saluting the flag.

“When the shots stopped we decided we had to run, he started shouting again and we ran behind a building. I put my son in a dumpster— I left him there with someone so I could go back to find my phone and the rest of my family. I went back, there was a few people shot on the ground. There was a little boy that was in one of the police officers arms, that was the worst experience ever all I thought about was my son.”

One brave soul, medical doctor David Baum, ran towards the carnage to treat survivors, what he found he told CNN made him sick.

“The scene of some of the bodies is unspeakable for the average person. As a physician I’ve seen things— but some of the bodies [had] evisceration injuries from the power of the bullets and the gun. What I saw was families lives forever changed because they were walking down the street with their kids in their scooters and somebody who shouldn’t have had access to a high powered rifle got up on a rooftop.”

The gun used in this massacre was legally purchased, police say.

The most sweeping gun law legislation in America in decades still allows 18 year olds to purchase high powered weapons.  This was the 314th mass shooting in America since the start of the year. In the hours since Highland Park happened there has been one more pushing the total to 315.

Continue Reading

Crime

TCI Police Report a Rape Conviction, Handfield registered as SEX OFFENDER

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force acknowledges the sentencing of convicted rapist ELVETHAN “ALVIN” HANDFIELD to life imprisonment following his guilty plea. Handfield was charged with the following offences: Two Counts of RAPE and Two Counts of USING AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON TO CAUSE FEAR.

The Supreme Court delivered the ruling yesterday (February 6), with Handfield, 47, of Glass Shack, Providenciales, being ineligible for parole until he has served 16 years. Should parole be granted, he will be registered as a sex offender for life.

Acting Superintendent Grantley Williams, Head of Serious Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection, stated: “Following an extensive investigation by our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Handfield was charged after a report made by a female victim on April 20, 2024. The victim, after entering a jitney driven by Handfield on April 19, 2024, was taken to his residence in Glass Shack, where she was subjected to sexual assault before being released the following day.

“This heinous act of violence, where Handfield posed as a jitney driver, lured, and assaulted the victim while threatening harm, is despicable. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward, demonstrating immense courage in ensuring that this predator is brought to justice.

We recognize this is a difficult journey, and our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit officers remain available to support the healing process.

We take this opportunity to urge any victims of sexual violence to come forward. Your reports are vital in removing dangerous offenders from our streets and ensuring the safety of our communities. Our commitment to justice remains unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect and safeguard the communities.”

If you have been a victim or know anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, please get in touch with the police without delay at the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696 or the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at -338-4013.

All calls will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.

Continue Reading

Crime

Officer Injured, Possible Suspect Rams Police Vehicle

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – At approximately 12:09 AM on Sunday (February 2), a team of officers patrolling Kew Town, Providenciales, observed a black Nissan Note travelling without headlights.

Officers activated their flashing lights, causing the vehicle to slow down. However, as they exited their vehicle, the Nissan Note suddenly accelerated, colliding with the police jeep and injuring an officer. As officers attempted to return to their vehicle, they heard loud explosions similar to gunfire coming from the Nissan Note. They returned fire.

Despite his injuries, the wounded officer, along with his colleagues, pursued the fleeing vehicle in a high-speed chase that concluded on Bay Road, Blue Hills.

Upon stopping, two male suspects exited the vehicle. One suspect, armed with a handgun, pointed it toward the officers while attempting to flee with his accomplice, prompting an officer to take evasive action and fire in the direction of the gunman.

The suspects managed to evade capture. The injured officer was transported for urgent medical treatment and remains stable.

Acting Commissioner Fitz Bailey stated, “I unequivocally condemn the brazen and cowardly attack on our police officers who were simply doing their duty. This violent act is not just an attack on the RT&CIPF in the lawful execution of their; it is an attack on the safety, security, and order of our communities. Our officers put their lives on the line daily, stepping into dangerous and unpredictable situations to uphold the law and protect our people. This is a high-risk job, yet these brave men and women continue to serve with unwavering dedication.

“Let this be a clear message: The RT&CIPF will not allow criminals to believe they can act with impunity. We will continue to stand firm against those who threaten the peace and security of our islands. I implore my officers to remain firm and decisive when confronted by these vicious elements in society whilst ensuring that their actions are always within the framework of the law.

“I also call on the public to recognize the sacrifices officers make every day. The risks they take are real, and they do so to keep our communities safe. Support your officers and cooperate with them”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide anonymous tips. Individuals can also use the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information securely and confidentially.

Continue Reading

Crime

Guilty Plea from Dock Yard Man arrested for Firearm, Ammo

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, February 7, 2025 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male pleaded guilty to four charges today (January 31) following a
robbery which occurred in 2024. JAMES SIMON is expected to be sentenced on April 03rd, 2025, having been convicted for the following offences:

  • One Count Possession of Firearm
  •  One Count Possession of Ammunition
  • One Count Robbery
  • One Count using a Firearm in the Commission of a Serious Offence

Based on the evidence presented before the court, Mr. Simon was arrested on May 02, 2024, along South Dock Road, where he was found with an illegal firearm.

Acting Superintendent in charge of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection Grantley Williams said, “Given the prevalence of firearm-related incidents, the Force has successfully removed one more illegal firearm from our streets. I applaud my officers for their vigilance and
dedication to their duty. I urge the public to assist us by reporting illegal firearms—if you have any information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or you can also anonymously share information via the Crime Stoppers P3 app. Together, we can make the Turks and Caicos Islands safer.”

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING