UPDATE: A Chicago man has been charged with attempted murder following a shocking shooting that injured two people at a Walmart in Evergreen Park on October 25, 2023. Yoseph Barnes, 20, is currently detained and awaiting trial after a violent altercation that unfolded at approximately 2:56 PM in the store located at 2500 W. 95th St.
Witnesses report that Barnes opened fire with a fully loaded Glock 19, targeting a 23-year-old man who was entering the store. The victim suffered serious leg injuries, while a 70-year-old female bystander was also struck in the foot. Both victims were quickly transported to a nearby hospital and are reported to be stable.
Evergreen Park police received reports of an active shooter and responded immediately, finding chaos in the store. Following the shooting, Barnes fled the scene in a gray Hyundai with two accomplices. Officers apprehended him shortly afterward in the 9300-block of Country Club Drive, where he was discovered hiding in a garbage can.
In court, the presiding Cook County judge described the incident as a “horrific act of violence,” emphasizing the fear it instilled in shoppers and employees alike. The attack was witnessed by numerous customers and captured by the store’s security cameras. Eyewitness accounts detail how Barnes dropped his weapon during a struggle with the victim before escaping through a rear exit.
Barnes, a convicted felon currently on parole, was previously found guilty in 2023 of illegal possession of a machine gun. His defense attorney mentioned that he lives with his godmother and has a child on the way, claiming that he is enrolled in a sanitation program. However, the motive behind Wednesday’s shooting remains unclear, as authorities confirm that there was no known connection between Barnes and his intended victim.
As police continue their investigation, the community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of this alarming incident. The court has scheduled further hearings as the case develops, and law enforcement encourages anyone with additional information to come forward.
This incident underscores the pressing need for heightened security measures in public spaces. As the situation unfolds, residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
