Hammond Woman Arrested for Gunfire Incident Near State Senator’s Residence
A 32-year-old woman from Hammond, Indiana, has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred early Tuesday morning in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The incident notably involved damage to the residence of Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.
Dana Thompson faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and one count of aggravated possession of a firearm in a vehicle. Thankfully, the shooting did not result in any injuries, and authorities have stated that the act was not politically motivated.
Incident Overview
The timeline of events began shortly before 5 a.m. when police responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of Ca Crest Drive and Highland Drive. Upon arrival, officers were unable to pinpoint any injuries or evidence of damage. However, about two hours later, authorities received another call reporting that a home on Bethany Drive had been struck by several bullets, leading to the discovery of three bullet holes caused by a small caliber firearm.
Shortly thereafter, police received notification that Senator Cappel’s residence, located approximately half a mile away, had been hit by a single gunshot. In response, detectives used surveillance footage and license plate reader technology to track down the vehicle involved in the shooting.
Quick Arrest and Motive
Authorities apprehended Thompson within 30 minutes of the incident in Lansing, a community close to the Indiana border. During the interrogation, she allegedly admitted to the shooting, claiming that her intended target was a relative she was estranged from, not the senator herself.
Statement from Senator Cappel
In light of the situation, Senator Cappel expressed her relief that the suspect has been taken into custody. “I wanted to clarify this because there were many speculations surrounding the motives, and I’m thankful to learn that it wasn’t politically charged,” she said. “What brings greater comfort to my family is knowing that the person is off the streets.”
Legal Proceedings
Thompson is currently awaiting a detention hearing in Will County, where she will face the charges leveled against her. Police have reassured the community that safety remains a priority and that thorough investigations will continue.
Charges Summary
| Charge | Count |
|---|---|
| Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm | 2 |
| Unlawful Use of a Weapon | 2 |
| Aggravated Possession of a Firearm in a Vehicle | 1 |
