Man Accused In Illinois Parade Shooting Visited Wisconsin: Police

MADISON, WI — The man accused in the Highland Park, Illinois, Independence Day parade mass shooting traveled to Wisconsin before police arrested him in Illinois on Monday, police told reporters at a news conference Tuesday.

The death toll in the parade shooting rose to seven on Tuesday, authorities announced. Almost 40 people were injured. About 15 minutes into the parade in suburban Chicago, somebody opened fire with a high-powered rifle from a nearby rooftop, according to authorities. Dozens of shots rang out, sending crowds scrambling into nearby businesses.

The 21-year-old accused in the attack was charged with seven charges of first-degree murder, and prosecutors said they intend further charges.

SEE ALSO: Highland Park 4th Of July Mass Shooting: 7 Dead, Suspect Arrested

After the shooting, the accused shooter traveled to the Madison area, Cook County Major Crimes Task Force spokesperson Chris Covelli told reporters on Tuesday. The man then came back to Illinois, Covelli said. Police did not provide a firm timeline on the man's travels.

Madison is located about 100 miles northwest of Highland Park, Illinois. Covelli told reporters he didn't want to get into specifics about how police knew the accused shooter visited Wisconsin, and police did not say why he may have traveled into the state.

He may have traveled to Wisconsin in an attempt to dump his phone and throw off authorities, according to a report by NBC 5 Investigates, a Chicago-area television news station.

Police identified the accused as Robert "Bobby" Crimo III, 21, of Illinois. Police arrested Crimo in Lake Forest, Illinois on Monday after a brief pursuit, according to Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen. A North Chicago officer spotted Crimo in a car linked to him on Route 41 near Westleigh Road, Jogmen said.

Crimo's arrest came after an hourslong manhunt after what Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering called the bloodiest day in the city's history.

Police said they believe Crimo legally purchased the rifle used in the shootings, and that he climbed a fire escape to reach the rooftop nearby the parade while disguised in women's attire. Police said they believe he fired over 70 shots into the crowd.

SEE ALSO:

Names Of Highland Park Shooting Victims Released As Community Mourns

Highland Park July 4 Shooting Updates: Photos

Bailey Says 'Move On' After Highland Park Shooting, Then Apologizes

Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff, contributed to reporting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.