Hammond Woman Arrested Following Gunfire Near Illinois Senator’s Residence
A 32-year-old woman from Hammond, Indiana, has been arrested after allegedly firing several rounds that struck two homes in the southwest suburbs of Chicago early Tuesday morning, including the residence of Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel. Dana Thompson faces multiple charges linked to the incident, drawing local concern but no reported injuries.
Details of the Incident
Police received their first report of gunfire around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, at the intersection of Ca Crest Drive and Highland Drive. However, responding officers found no victims or physical evidence of gunfire at the scene.
A few hours later, authorities were alerted to the 500 block of Bethany Drive, where a home had been struck by bullets. Investigators discovered three bullet holes caused by a small-caliber weapon; fortunately, everyone inside the house was unharmed. Following that, a report came in regarding another home just half a mile away—the residence of Senator Cappel—where damage was caused by a single gunshot.
Investigation and Arrest
Utilizing surveillance footage and license plate recognition technology, detectives identified the vehicle involved in the shooting. Within half an hour, law enforcement apprehended Thompson in Lansing, a suburb near the Indiana border.
During her interrogation, Thompson alleged that her intended target was an estranged family member residing in the vicinity; police verified that this act of gunfire was unrelated to the senator’s political status.
Senator Cappel’s Reaction
Cappel expressed relief that the situation was not politically motivated and that Thompson is now in custody. “I’m able to talk about this because I’m an elected official, and I wanted to clarify the rumors circulating,” she remarked. “The initial concern was that there could be a political motive, so learning that isn’t the case is a huge relief. What matters most is that they’ve apprehended the individual responsible.”
Charge Summary
Thompson faces a range of charges, outlined in the table below:
| Charge | Count |
|---|---|
| Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm | 2 |
| Unlawful Use of a Weapon | 2 |
| Aggravated Possession of a Firearm in a Vehicle | 1 |
Next Steps
Thompson is currently awaiting a detention hearing in Will County. The incident has raised questions about public safety and the implications of gun violence in local communities, prompting discussions about preventive measures moving forward.
