Officers from Bloomington-Normal discuss “pop-up parties” after recent incident near ISU

Posted on October 2, 2024

*Officer Brad Park from Normal Police and Officer Bryce Janssen from Bloomington Police spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller on Wednesday. (WJBC file photo)*

By WJBC Staff

NORMAL – After a “pop-up party” turned deadly this past weekend near the Illinois State University campus, local police departments are explaining more about these parties and the safety of the community.

The incident happened early Sunday morning as a group of around 1,000 people gathered at a park in Normal then congregated at the Circle K gas station on Main Street. An 18-year-old man from Oak Lawn was shot and killed and another 18-year old man was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Authorities say these “pop-up parties” have been happening in college towns around the country and are publicized via social media by outside promoters and organizations.

Bloomington Police Department public information officer Bryce Janssen says these parties are a bit different than a typical college party. Officer Brad Park from the Normal Police Department also joined the conversation as they spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

*Officer Bryce Janssen (left) and Officer Brad Park. (Scott Miller/WJBC)*

Officer Brad Park from Normal Police and Officer Bryce Janssen from Bloomington Police spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller on Wednesday, Oct. 2. (Part 1)

Part 2 of Scott Miller’s interview with Officers Park and Janssen.

The incident this past weekend near ISU is still under investigation.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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