Police have made twelve arrests in regard to an incident where at least one shot was fired at the Travel Inn, about a half mile from NIU, at noon Friday.

Through investigation Friday, offers learned that a fight in the parking lot was a result of a theft of pot that happened earlier in the day during a drug transaction, according to a news release from DeKalb police. After the theft, the victim of the theft asked several people to assist him in confronting the person at the motel. The person who fired the gun was with the group that came to the hotel to retaliate, according to the release. The group that possessed the firearm fled after a shot was fired.

DeKalb police searched an apartment and a vehicle after search warrants were issued. The gun used during the shooting was located during the search at the apartment, according to the news release. No one was injured as a result of the shooting, according to the news release.

After investigation, the following people were charged:

Aaron J. Harris, 19 years of age, DeKalb, IL was charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Battery Public Way and Mob Action.

Tyrone M. Sally, 19 years of age, DeKalb, IL was charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Battery Public Way and Mob Action.

Abreon B. Starks, 19 years of age, DeKalb, IL was charged with Mob Action.

Gilbert G. Burch, 18 years of age, DeKalb, IL was charged with Mob Action.

David I Cortina, 19 years of age, DeKalb, IL was charged with Mob Action.

Maceo Penn, 18 years of age, Chicago, IL was charged with Mob Action.

Edward K. Reid, 18 years of age, Chicago, IL was charged with Mob Action.

Maurice Johnson, 18 years of age, Chicago, IL was charged with Mob Action.

Isaiah L. Lee, 19 years of age, DeKalb, IL was charged with Mob Action.

Julio A. Martinez, 20 years of age, Zion, IL was charged with Unlawful Delivery of Cannabis within a 1000 feet of a School (less than 10 grams)

Bryce A. Meinert, 20 years of age, Freeport, IL was charged with Theft.

Tanesha J. McCrary, 19 years of age, DeKalb, IL was charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

NIU Police Chief Tom Phillips said there was a fight in the parking lot of the Travel Inn, 1116 W. Lincoln Highway. He said witnesses reported hearing gunshots and three to four men fled west on foot on Lincoln Highway. Phillips said police had detained one person who was involved in the fight.

DeKalb Police Cmdr. John Petragallo said one person was hit with a gun, not shot, and one shot was fired as far as police know. He said there were two victims — one with a minor head injury and one with a minor hand injury — but DeKalb fire did not transport anyone. He said about 12 people were involved in the incident.

“There will not be a text alert [to students] because there is no immediate threat right now based on the information we have,” Phillips said.

An NIU Safety Bulletin stated “several people are in custody and are being questioned related to this incident.”

A restaurant worker, who did not wish to be named, said she saw police pull up to the scene and apprehend a person.

“I find it scary [that it’s close],” she said. “That’s scary to think about.”

Evan York was making a delivery when he said he saw an officer apprehend a man.

“It looked like every single cop in DeKalb was there,” York said.

Police reported finding a meth lab in a hotel room at the Travel Inn earlier this week. One man was arrested in that incident, though police said they would expect more arrests.

Editor’s Note: Reporters Ryan Chodora and KeAndre Worthy and Editor in Chief Kelly Bauer contributed to this story.

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