Evergreen Park, Illinois – A violent confrontation erupted Wednesday afternoon outside the Walmart Supercenter at 95th Street and Western Avenue, leaving two people wounded and a community shaken. Authorities have since charged 20-year-old Yoseph K. Barnes of Chicago with attempted murder following what police describe as a targeted shooting that escalated into chaos in one of the busiest retail areas of the southwest suburbs.

According to Evergreen Park Police, the shooting began just before 1:30 p.m. after an argument between two men who reportedly knew each other. Witnesses say the confrontation quickly turned deadly when Barnes allegedly pulled out a firearm and began shooting at a 23-year-old man walking toward the entrance of the store. Panicked shoppers ran for cover as multiple shots rang out across the parking lot.

Investigators say a 70-year-old woman who had been walking toward the store at the time was struck in the foot, likely by a ricochet or a bullet fragment. She was immediately rushed to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where she was treated and later reported to be in good condition. Police emphasized that she was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.

The male victim, believed to have been the intended target, was hit five times in the leg and collapsed inside the store after trying to flee the gunfire. Responding officers and paramedics from the Evergreen Park Fire Department rendered aid at the scene before transporting him to Advocate Christ Medical Center. His current condition has not been publicly disclosed, but police described his injuries as severe.

As terrified shoppers sheltered in place, store employees quickly secured the area and provided surveillance footage to police. Within minutes, detectives identified Barnes as the suspected shooter. Officers launched a citywide alert, and with the cooperation of the Chicago Police Department, Barnes was apprehended less than 15 minutes after the shooting. A firearm believed to have been used in the attack was recovered at the scene.

Police later located a gray Hyundai, allegedly driven by Barnes during the incident, abandoned in the 800 block of West Marquette Road on Chicago’s South Side. The vehicle was impounded for forensic analysis as investigators continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together what led to the dispute.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the relationship between Barnes and the 23-year-old victim, only confirming that the two were acquainted. “This was not a random act of violence,” Evergreen Park Police Chief Michael Saunders said in a statement. “It appears to have been a personal conflict that turned extremely dangerous in a public space.”

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office formally charged Barnes with attempted first-degree murder on Thursday, and additional charges are pending. He was scheduled to appear for arraignment at the Bridgeview Courthouse on Friday. Police and prosecutors say the investigation remains active as they work to determine a possible motive.

The shooting has left residents rattled and raised renewed concerns about public safety in suburban shopping areas. “It’s scary to think this happened in broad daylight,” one shopper told reporters. “You come here for groceries or school supplies and suddenly hear gunfire—it’s unreal.”

For now, Evergreen Park officials are urging calm while promising a thorough investigation. As one officer put it, “We were lucky this didn’t turn into something even worse.” The swift response from police and Walmart security prevented further injuries—but for those who witnessed the violence, the memory of that chaotic afternoon will not soon fade.