COAL CITY – Two people are dead after a shooting inside a crowded restaurant early Saturday morning.
According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, it happened just before 12:30 a.m. Saturday when officers were called to Gippers Sports Club and Eatery Restaurant at 8455 E Pine Bluff Rd for reports of shots fired.
When officers arrived they found a chaotic scene with people scrambling to leave the restaurant. Several hundred people were reported inside the establishment at the time of the shooting. Police blocked parking exits and searched the grounds but the shooter but it was later established he had already left the crime scene.
Following the response investigators from the Will County Major Crimes Task Force arrived to investigate the shooting.
Sheriff’s police believe there is no threat to the community at this time but advise anyone who sees something suspicious to call and report it.
The identity of the potential shooter has yet to be established. Officers interviewed around 50 people after the shooting hoping to establish a lead.
The victims who suffered fatal gunshot wounds were identified Saturday afternoon as 25-year-old Dameonta Terry-Travis and 33-year-old Darius Travis, of Joliet.
At least one gun was recovered from the scene. Gippers remained closed Saturday while Illinois State Police and other agencies continued their investigation.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Grundy County Sheriffs Office at 815-942-6645.
