DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced Monday, November 15, 2021 that charges have been filed against a Chicago resident accused of shooting another man at an indoor amusement park in Villa Park.
Meco Norris, age 25, of the 3000 block of North Spaulding Avenue, appeared at a bond hearing Monday morning where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $1 million with 10% to apply. Norris has been charged with one count of Attempt Murder (Class X Felony), one count of Aggravated Battery – Discharge of a Firearm (Class X Felony) and one count of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony).
On Saturday, November 13, 2021, at approximately 6:56 p.m. the Villa Park and Lombard Police Departments responded to a call of shots fired at Safari Land amusement park located at 701 West North Avenue, Villa Park. Following an investigation into the shooting it is alleged that Norris and his victim were both at Safari Land when at some point in time, Norris pulled out a weapon and shot his victim three times, once in the right chest, once in the right shoulder and once in the right elbow. Allegedly, following the shooting, Norris fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he received treatment for his injuries and was released later that evening.
Meco Norris was taken into custody about 3:00 a.m. the following day, Sunday, November 14, 2021 from his home in Chicago without incident.
“While dozens of children enjoyed an evening at a popular indoor children’s amusement park with their families, it is alleged that Mr. Norris pulled a loaded weapon, aimed it at another man and fired, striking his victim three times. Mr. Norris’ alleged actions, with multiple children literally just feet away, demonstrate(d) the most horrifying disregard for public safety I have seen in my thirty-plus years as a prosecutor. We are all very thankful that no children were injured during this alleged attack. I commend the Villa Park Police Department for their outstanding work in quickly identifying and apprehending the defendant in this case as well as the Chicago and Lombard Police Departments for their assistance. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Nicole Wilkes-English, Helen Kapas and Michael Pingaj for their efforts these past several days in preparing a strong case against Mr. Norris.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“While one person was physically harmed in this incident, there are hundreds of more victims, from very young children to grandparents, who will bear scars emotionally and psychologically for a long time. We will pursue any and all who commit a violent crime in Villa Park and will do all we can to protect the public by bringing the person responsible to justice. The successful apprehension of the suspect in this case would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Villa Park, Lombard and Chicago Police Departments. I also thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their legal guidance and support with this case.”
— Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas
Norris’ next court appearance is scheduled for December 17, 2021, for arraignment in front of Judge Reidy.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
Villa Park police were actively searching for a suspect in a shooting at Safari Land Saturday evening. YouTube Tips ⓘ
Initial Response to Shooting Emergency
Police and paramedics from Villa Park responded about 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13, 2021 to a shooting at Safari Land, 701 West North Avenue in Villa Park. On arrival police discovered one male shooting victim and secured the scene as they assessed that the shooter had fled the scene (Meco Norris was taken into custody in Chicago around 3:00 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021).
Police described the suspect as a male/black, wearing a black jacket with white writing, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap. The suspect was seen running into the residential area near Lincoln and Roy, and was also possibly seen running eastbound on Plymouth from Yale Street.
A Ring video at 6:59 p.m. captured an image of a male/black subject walking through a backyard, wearing a dark jacket with white lettering across the chest and a large logo similar to the Las Vegas Raiders logo that was visible on the back of the jacket. The jacket also had a white band at the bottom of the jacket near the waist line, and white near the collar area of the jacket. He was carrying a GAP store shopping bag (dark bag with white GAP letters) and a white or light colored bag in his right hand. He was also wearing (backwards) a dark baseball cap with white or light lettering. While walking in the backyard, the subject stopped suddenly — apparently to prevent being seen at an opening at the driveway and wait for a car to pass on the street.
At 10:06 p.m. Saturday Villa Park stated on their official Facebook page that the police department believes the suspect had left the area.
Police reported that one male victim was shot three times, and is being treated at a local hospital. His injuries are initially believed to be non-life-threatening. Police said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident Saturday night.
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