Police: Man who drove SUV into mall near Chicago acted alone

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — One person is in custody after driving an SUV into a mall near Chicago Friday afternoon, authorities said.

The incident happened at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois, about 30 miles West of Chicago.

Updates on this developing story on Channel 2 Action News at 5 p.m.

Update 9:50 p.m. EDT Sept. 20: The 22-year-old man who drove a SUV into Woodfield Mall acted alone, Schaumburg Police Department Chief Bill Wolf said in a press conference Friday evening.

There were only minor injuries in the incident, and nobody was hit by the SUV, Wolf said. Three people were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to a statement from Schaumburg PD. The Schaumburg Fire Department treated four people onsite for minor injuries, the statement said.

The suspect, whose name hasn't been released, entered the mall on foot and was inside for a short time, Wolf said. He then returned to his SUV and drove it through the mall, coming to a stop in the mall's center court, the statement said.

A group of patrons, which included two off-duty police officers, detained the suspect until police arrived, Wolf said. Police are still investigating the suspect's motives, but have confirmed he acted alone.

Police were called at 2:21 p.m. and arrived at the scene within two minutes, Wolf said. Some witnesses initially reported shots fired, but Wolf said police found no evidence of a shooting.

The Woodfield Mall will be reopening in the morning. Building inspectors found no structural damage, Wolf said.

Update 5:45 p.m. EDT Sept. 20: There were minor injuries and no major injuries reported following the incident at Woodfield Mall, according to a statement from the Village of Schaumburg, Illinois Government.

The SUV drove into the mall at approximately 2:43 p.m. CDT near a Sears and Rainforest Cafe, the statement said.

The suspect, a male driver, is in custody.

Original report: The Village of Schaumburg, Illinois Government officials posted the following update to their Facebook page:

"Schaumburg Police have reported that one vehicle has driven into one of the entrances at Woodfield Mall. The subject is in custody. At this time, there is no evidence of an active shooter situation. Police are on scene and the mall is in the process of being evacuated. Please avoid the area if possible. The investigation is ongoing. At this time, no injuries have been reported."

The FBI's Chicago office tweeted, "#FBI Chicago is aware of the incident at Schaumburg Mall and is assisting local law enforcement as requested. There is no threat to public safety."

A bystander caught part of the incident on video and tweeted it. You can watch the video, which contains explicit language, here.

Further information, such as possible injuries, are unclear at this time.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

WARNING: Video contains explicit language.  

Cox Media Group