Shooting outside Lincoln Middle School Tuesday afternoon left three people dead, including the suspected gunman, authorities said.
According to Berwyn police, the incident happened around 4:05 p.m. when officers near the 6400 block of 16th Street heard multiple gunshots.
They quickly responded and observed a man firing a long rifle into another vehicle. Moments later, officers themselves were targeted by gunfire from the suspect, though they did not return fire and instead took cover.
During the exchange, at least three people suffered gunshot wounds. All were pronounced dead at the scene, police confirmed.
Division Commander Michael Fellows later said the suspected shooter appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
What happened during the shooting?
The shooting, which authorities stressed was domestic in nature, occurred as more than 100 students remained inside the school for after-school programs.
Lincoln Middle School was immediately placed into a hard lockdown, and no injuries were reported inside the building.
Neighbours’ statement
Witnesses described hearing around 20 gunshots. “It was really like 20 times… very noisy,” said nearby resident Maria Meriz. “When I came over here, I see by the corner, right there, police.”
Another neighbour, Orlando Valentin, said he initially thought the gunfire sounded like fireworks.
“Some guy was telling me not to keep going,” he recalled. “So, I made a left in the alley, and there were these kids running around… I walk that way and then I see a guy slumped over in his car.”
Two dark sedans involved in the incident had rammed into each other, with bullet holes visible in their windshields and shattered windows scattered across the street.
The violence rattled the community, with longtime resident Mike Franco calling it “shocking” to see such an incident happen outside the school he once attended.
Lincoln Middle School will remain closed Wednesday. District officials said counselors and social workers will be available for students seeking support.
Police added that there is no ongoing threat to the public but urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the investigation continues.