A suspect has been charged with attempted murder by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in relation to a shooting that occurred on Thursday, April 23 at Mason Park, located at 1600 Church Street in Evanston, according to a news release from the Evanston Police Department.
Chicago police arrested Zacar Lee, 20, of the 2300 block of Foster Avenue, Evanston, on April 24, during a traffic stop in the 3900 block of West Washington Boulevard in Chicago, according to the Evanston police department.
According to the news release, Chicago police officers also recovered a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun from the vehicle Lee was driving at the time, which was later towed to the Evanston Police Department to be used as evidence.
Lee was charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with unlawful possession of a firearm and appeared in Cook County Court at 26th Street and California Avenue, Chicago.
Following his court appearance, Evanston police detectives later took Lee into custody in connection with the Mason Park shooting, according to the report.
On April 27, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and added one class X felony count of attempted murder.
Lee had a court appearance at the Skokie Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Road, on April 28 at 1:30 p.m.
According to Cook County Circuit Court records, he remains in custody.
Evanston police officers were able to identify Lee early in the investigation by reviewing available video, which showed two small groups exchanging gunfire in Mason Park shortly before leaving the scene on foot on Thursday, according to the police report.
Evanston Police Commander Chelsea Brown confirmed to the Pioneer Press there are no confirmed gunshot victims or injuries related to the incident at this time.
Per the police report, a home in the 1500 block of Davis Street sustained property damage as a result of the incident.
Due to its close proximity with Mason Park, police contacted Evanston Township High School on Thursday to notify the school of the incident, which issued a soft lockdown that day for all students and administrators.
Lee’s next hearing is scheduled for May 21 at 9 a.m. at the Skokie Courthouse, Room 105.
An arrest does not constitute a conviction.
