SUV drives through Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, suspect in custody

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Updated: 9:51 p.m. on September 20, 2019

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (CBS 58) -- The Woodfield Mall is still closed after a man drove his car straight through the entrance to Sears, and kept going. 

Those who ran away say they're grateful to be alive. 

Abram Taylor was working at Woodfield Mall for the iPhone launch. He heard what he thought was a twelve-gauge shotgun.

"I'm trying to get away. I'm trying to get as far away as I can," Taylor said. "Because I know if it would have been 30 seconds and I would have been there, he could have possibly killed me, hurt me or injured me really bad."

The car continued smashing kiosks down the aisle and left the outdoor entrance to Sears mangled.

"It was apparent how far and deep the suspect was able to enter the mall," said Schaumburg Police Chief Bill Wolf.

There were only minor injuries from the rampage. 

"There is no indication that this was a terrorist attack, no indication that this was something pre-planned," Chief Wolf said. "No indication that the mall itself was a target or thought to be a target ahead of time."

Taylor says many witnesses did their part warning other shoppers and getting them out of the way. The indoor train conductor went above and beyond clearing the path.

"He was actually kind of a hero," said Chief Wolf. "He was running behind the car trying to stop the guy, and he actually did get to the vehicle."

Schaumburg PD says there is no major structural damage to the mall. It will reopen Saturday morning.

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Posted: 3:32 p.m. on September 20, 2019

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (CBS 58) -- A man drove a car through Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois Friday. 

Authorities say the black SUV drove into one of the entrances near Sears and the Rainforest Cafe. 

A witness, "Ronin," uploaded a video of the incident on Twitter Friday afternoon. 

Officials say the suspect is in custody.

Police are still telling people to avoid the area as the investigation is ongoing. 

At this time no major injuries have been reported.  

CBS 58  has a crew headed to the scene. More updates will be provided as they become available.


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