West Cook News

Former state legislator Jeanne Ives recently criticized policies she believes enabled a shooting at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall in Rosemont on March 25. There had been a shooting at a different mall in the Chicago suburbs just three months ago.

"People locked in the Armani store in Rosemont," Ives posted on Facebook. "Gang Shooting. It could be anyone. Tell me again how well the Democrats do at keeping you safe. This is spillover crime from Chicago and sanctuary state policies."

Around 7 p.m. on March 25, Rosemont authorities were called to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago after several 911 calls, where they found a 20-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds lying on the ground near the food court, NBC 5 reported. The victim, who has been identified as Joel Valdes, was transported to a hospital where he died. A 15-year-old girl was also shot in the wrist and the leg. The alleged shooter was described as a man in his mid-twenties wearing a face-covering who fled with other suspects in a maroon 2008 Honda. Authorities described the shooting as an isolated incident.

"It makes you think twice about going out. It's not safe anywhere so you have to be careful everywhere you go, every time," said shopper Juan Marcial, ABC 7 reported.

."I can only hope and pray that he's in a better place, no matter what it is you guys believe in - just that he's at rest," a mall worker identified as Jay told ABC 7. "For the one recovering, I hope it's a smooth, easy recovery. And, I hope that someone can answer for this."

Rosemont Public Safety provided an update on March 27, tweeting, "Our investigation is still active and has been continuing throughout the weekend. We have spoken to numerous witnesses which has given us multiple credible leads. We encourage anyone with more info to call 224-585-2865."

ABC7 also reported a shooting incident near Oakbrook Center Mall on Dec. 23. The gunmenwere standing near the Ann Taylor store, and afterward, they ran toward the Nordstorm store. One of them was hit by fire and was later taken into custody. Three bystanders were injured in the shooting.