HARVEY, Ill. — A chaotic and violent night unfolded in Harvey on Saturday, as a mass shooting at a house party left seven people injured, including a 4-year-old child, and one suspect dead after being shot by a licensed concealed carry holder. Authorities are also investigating a possible retaliatory shooting that took place hours later and may be connected to the initial incident.
According to a spokesperson for the City of Harvey, officers responded just after 8:00 p.m. to the 14400 block of Des Plaines Street, where reports of gunfire had come from a residence hosting a large gathering.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Preliminary investigations indicate that two armed suspects approached the party and opened fire on the crowd, sparking panic and chaos.
Among the injured was a 4-year-old boy, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was later stabilized at a nearby hospital. Four other victims were also transported to area hospitals; their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, though detailed medical conditions were not immediately released.
As police and emergency personnel continued processing the scene into Sunday, shattered glass, blood stains, and scattered evidence markers bore testimony to the night’s violence. Residents in the area described the terror they felt during the gunfire.
Willie Hill, 73, who lives near the scene, recalled the sound of the shots with horror:
“It sounded like a war zone. The gunfire was relentless—loud, terrifying. You could tell something serious was happening.”
In a critical development, officials confirmed that a licensed concealed carry holder who was attending the party returned fire, striking both suspects. One of the shooters was killed at the scene, while the second was wounded and taken to the hospital, where he was placed under police custody.
Michael Parker, a nearby resident, expressed concern over the rising gun violence in the area:
“Bullets don’t have names. When something like this happens so close to home, you just pray no one else gets caught in the crossfire.”
Law enforcement assured the public that the shooting appears to have been an isolated event and that there is no ongoing threat to community safety. However, concerns mounted when, just hours later, Harvey police were called to a second shooting.
Shortly before 5:00 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to the 200 block of Calumet Boulevard and discovered a man inside a minivan with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as 24-year-old Charles Lipsey, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Initial findings suggest that this second incident may be retaliatory in nature, potentially linked to the house party shooting just hours prior. Investigators are exploring that possibility and have confirmed that witnesses are cooperating with the ongoing investigations.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about either incident to come forward. Tips can be provided by contacting the Harvey Police Department directly.
Both shootings have left the Harvey community shaken, as officials continue to piece together the events that led to one of the most violent weekends the area has seen in recent memory.