UPDATE: A Chicago man, Yoseph Barnes, has been charged after a shocking shooting at a Walmart in Evergreen Park on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, that left two individuals injured. The incident unfolded around 2:56 PM at the store located at 2500 W. 95th St.
Authorities report that Barnes, 20, chased a 23-year-old man into the store while firing a fully loaded Glock 19 handgun. The young man sustained serious injuries to his leg, while a 70-year-old female bystander was shot in the foot. Both victims were quickly taken to local hospitals, where they are currently in stable condition.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as Barnes emerged from a gray Hyundai parked nearby, initiating the gunfire without apparent provocation. After the shooting, he fled on foot but was later apprehended hiding in a garbage can in the 9300-block of Country Club Drive. Surveillance footage from the store captured the harrowing moments of the shooting and the aftermath.
In a court appearance on Friday, a Cook County judge deemed the act “horrific,” emphasizing the violence witnessed by numerous shoppers and security personnel. During the hearing, Barnes’ defense attorney noted that he is currently living with his godmother and has a child on the way, while also participating in a sanitation program. Despite these circumstances, the judge ordered his detention pending trial.
Barnes, a convicted felon currently on parole, was previously found guilty in 2023 for possession of a machine gun. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, as it remains unclear why Barnes targeted the victims. The gun used in the shooting has been recovered.
This incident raises serious concerns about safety in public spaces and the ongoing issue of gun violence. As the community grapples with the aftermath, local officials urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Next steps will involve further investigation by law enforcement and potential court proceedings for Barnes, which will be closely monitored by the public. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
