Bystander Shot In 'Terrible Scene' Outside South Holland Church: PD

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL — One person suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital after 20 shots were reportedly fired in a parking lot outside a South Holland church after Sunday services had finished, police said.

The bystander was hit by a bullet after services at Love & Deliverance International Ministries had finished around 12:30 p.m., South Holland village officials said in a social media post. Illinois State Police troopers responded to the area, where pastors told NBC Chicago that multiple people started shooting.

Pastor Pirsia Allen told the station that he believed around 20 shots were fired, which sent people scurrying for cover. He said one of the church’s members was struck by the gunfire.

“I was running for my life. I got scraped up. I fell to the ground, was trying to run for cover,” Allen said, according to NBC Chicago. “Just a terrible scene."

The services were held at the South Holland Community Center at 501 E. 170th Street. Village officials said on Sunday that the bystander was taken to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn in stable condition. Police did not provide specific information about the victim.

Village officials said that they believed the vehicle belonging to one of the suspects who fired shots was from Chicago.

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Holland police detectives at (708) 331-3131, ext. 2.