Two charged after barricade situation in Evanston home

Two shooting suspects have been charged after barricading themselves in a north suburban home for almost two hours Wednesday evening.

Christopher Heim, 19; and a 16-year-old boy were charged Friday with firing shots prior to the barricade situation, according to Evanston police.

Officers on patrol near Lake Street and Dodge Avenue heard gunshots about 4:15 p.m, police said. When they approached, they saw the two suspects run into a home in the 1800 block of Lake Street.

The officers “could still smell gunpowder in the air” as witnesses informed them that the teens were shooting at another group farther north on Darrow Avenue, police said. There were no injuries reported.

Heim and the boy gave themselves up about 5:40 p.m., police said. Officers found a .38-caliber handgun inside the home, and another .38-caliber handgun in the 1000 block of Dobson Street. Both will be sent to the crime lab for further analysis.

Heim, of Skokie, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct, an ordinance violation, police said.

The Evanston boy was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm; possession of a firearm by a street gang member; possession of a firearm; aggravated unlawful use of a weapon; and reckless conduct, all felonies. He was being held in the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, police said.