Here we go again. The 22 year old July 4th shooter had multiple encounters with law enforcement yet his uncle claims there were "no warning signs".
Alleged Highland Park shooter expected in bond court Wednesday after murder charges filed
Alleged Highland Park shooter expected in bond court Wednesday after murder charges filed
Lake County Major Crimes Task Force spokesman Chris Covelli said at a Tuesday morning press conference that Crimo fired more than 70 rounds into the parade.
Covelli said Crimo planned the shooting for weeks and accessed the rooftop of a building using a fire escape ladder. After the shooting, Crimo reportedly left his rifle and climbed down to escape while wearing women's clothing to blend in and hide his facial tattoos.
Covelli said Crimo then went to his mother's house and borrowed her 2010 Honda Fit, which he drove to the Madison, Wisconsin, area before returning to Illinois, where he was spotted and arrested.
The weapon used in the shooting was purchased legally, Covelli said. A second AR-15-style rifle was in the car, which investigators believe was also purchased legally. They also found multiple handguns in the Highwood home where Crimo lived with his uncle.
His uncle, Paul Crimo, said there were no warning signs before the attack.
Police said Tuesday Crimo was involved in two prior incidents in Highland Park, the most recent in September 2019 when a family member called police to report he had a knife collection and "was going to kill everyone," authorities said. Police removed knives from Crimo's possession.
Months earlier, in April 2019, someone called police one week after learning Crimo tried to kill himself, police said. Police spoke with Crimo and his parents and learned mental health professionals were handling the situation.
"There was no probable cause to arrest. There were no complaints that were signed by any of the victims," Covelli said Tuesday.
Officials said three months after the second incident, Crimo obtained a firearm owners ID card after being sponsored by his father. Illinois State Police said "there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger and deny the FOID application."
Authorities said the weapon used in the July 4 shooting was purchased after those incidents.