Highland Park police are investigating the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy Sunday as a homicide, according to a news release.
Officers responded to a report of a person shot in the 2300 block of Green Bay Road at approximately 11:30 a.m. They discovered the victim and transported him to Highland Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police established a perimeter around the scene to try to locate the shooter, who witnesses described as a man dressed in all black and riding a bicycle. Further investigation determined that he likely fled on foot, however.
A police K-9 tracked the shooter’s scent but lost it at a nearby roadway. Police have requested the assistance of the Lake County Major Crime Task Force to assist with the investigation, according to the news release.
Police said preliminary details indicate the shooting was targeted and not random, so they believe there is no known threat to the community.
Before the shooting, police said, the 16-year-old was walking on the sidewalk when he was approached by the shooter. They had a short conversation before the suspect took out a firearm and shot the victim.
