Westchester Shooting A Case Of Mistaken Identity, Police Say
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A man and a woman were shot as they sat in their car in west suburban Westchester, in what police said was a targeted hit, but also a case of mistaken identity.
J.W. Dixson said his grandchildren were shot Tuesday night as they were backing out of their driveway near Devonshire Street and Newcastle Avenue. Police said the shooter fired at close range, and it's a miracle the victims survived.
After they were shot, the victims went back inside the home to call for help.
"Granddaughter came and woke me up, said she had been shot," Dixson said.
Dixson's granddaughter and her cousin, both 24, were inside a Mercedes Benz when they were shot multiple times.
"She lives here. He was here visiting, but still … this is like home to him," Dixson said.
Neighbor Vincent Gallucci said he heard several gunshots while he was in his kitchen, but thought they were firecrackers.
When police arrived at Dixson's home, they found shell casings all over the driveway.
"Possibly a Glock pistol, with an extended magazine. They do make magazines out there that carry more than the traditional magazines that's made for the gun. There were approximately 30 shell casings out there," Westchester Police Chief Steven Stelter said.
Stelter said the shooter got out of a car, walked up to the victims' car, and opened fire, then fled the scene after emptying his gun.
"We believe it was targeted, but we believe the wrong people were targeted," he said. "We believe that this was possibly a gang shooting."
The chief said the shooting appeared to be a case of mistaken identity.
"The 24-year-old female is a very nice young lady who's got no gang ties, has a job, and just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," Stelter said.
Police were looking for a dark-colored sedan with wraparound tail lights. Anyone with information about the shooting should call Westchester police at 708-345-0060.
