Chicago Man Charged After Shooting Two at Evergreen Park Walmart

UPDATE: A Chicago man, Yoseph Barnes, has been charged with shooting two individuals at a Walmart in Evergreen Park on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. The incident, which occurred around 2:56 PM, has left both victims injured and raised urgent safety concerns in the community.

According to authorities, the shooting unfolded as a 23-year-old man entered the Walmart located at 2500 W. 95th St.. Witnesses reported that Barnes, 20 years old and a convicted felon, emerged from a vehicle in the parking lot, chased the victim, and opened fire with a fully loaded Glock 19 handgun. The male victim sustained injuries to his leg, while a 70-year-old woman bystander was shot in the foot.

In a dramatic turn of events, witnesses described how Barnes dropped his weapon after a scuffle with the victim and fled through a back exit. He was later apprehended by police hiding in a garbage can in the 9300-block of Country Club Drive. Officers recovered the firearm at the scene.

Barnes appeared in court on Friday, where a Cook County judge condemned the attack as a “horrific act of violence.” The judge ordered Barnes detained pending trial. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, as investigators have found no links between Barnes and the targeted victim.

Tragically, despite the violence, the male victim is reported to be in stable condition following treatment, while the elderly woman has been released from the hospital. The incident has sparked fear among shoppers and raised questions about safety in public spaces.

As this story develops, authorities are urging anyone with more information to come forward. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this shocking event, prompting calls for increased security measures in local businesses.

Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking news story, as we continue to monitor the situation and its impact on the Evergreen Park community.