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No Charges Filed After False Gun Report at Westfield Old Orchard Mall

Authorities found no criminal offense after reviewing surveillance footage alongside interview testimony.

Overview

  • On July 29, a verbal dispute in the mall parking lot led someone to shout “gun,” triggering Skokie Police to order a lockdown and shelter-in-place for about an hour.
  • The all-clear came around 3:30 p.m. after officers confirmed no shots were fired and that initial reports of a shooter were not credible.
  • Nearby Niles North High School and surrounding businesses enacted precautionary closures during the police response.
  • Two individuals involved in the dispute were detained but released when investigators concluded no laws had been broken.
  • Skokie Police have closed the investigation and encouraged residents to call with any further information.