Villa Park Amusement Park Shooting: Man Charged

Elmhurst IL

15 November, 2021

2:49 PM

Description

VILLA PARK, IL — A Chicago man has been arrested in the shooting of a man at Safari Land children's amusement park in Villa Park, prosecutors announced Monday. Meco Norris, 25, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and reckless discharge of a firearm. About 7 p.m. Nov. 13, Norris fired shots at the victim three times, once in the chest, once in the right shoulder and once in the right elbow, according to a news release from the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. Norris left the area, but was taken into custody the next day at his house, police said. The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries and was released later that evening, prosecutors said. On Monday, Norris' bond was set at $1 million. "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," State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release. "Mr. Norris' alleged actions, with multiple children literally just feet away, demonstrate the most horrifying disregard for public safety I have seen in my 30-plus years as a prosecutor." Villa Park Police Chief Michael Rivas said in the release, "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."