Police are investigating after the two victims were found shot inside a vehicle on North 74th Street Wednesday morning.
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. — A man died and a toddler was injured after both were found shot inside a vehicle in Cahokia Heights on Wednesday morning, authorities said, prompting an investigation and a search of the surrounding area.
Officers with the Cahokia Heights Police Department were called to the 200 block of North 74th Street at about 10:25 a.m. Nov. 11, according to Illinois State Police. Officers found an adult man and a young child who had been shot while inside a vehicle. Police later said the man, who was in his mid-20s, died. The child received treatment and was taken to a hospital.
Authorities had not released the identities of either victim as of Thursday morning. Police also had not publicly explained what led to the shooting or released information identifying a possible suspect. The child’s condition was not disclosed in the reports available after the shooting.
A Kia Soul was found in a drainage ditch along the roadway near the shooting scene. News crews at the scene reported seeing evidence markers around the vehicle, while neighbors said investigators removed a child’s car seat. Authorities have not said how the vehicle ended up in the ditch or whether it was moving when the shooting occurred.
The investigation brought several law enforcement agencies to the area. Cahokia Heights police, Illinois State Police and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the response, according to local reporting. Authorities searched the surrounding area as investigators worked to determine who fired the shots and what happened before the victims were found.
One local report said the search involved a police aircraft, a drone and a K-9 team. No suspect had been reported in custody at the time of that report. Police have not announced whether investigators believe the shooting was targeted, whether anyone else was inside or near the vehicle, or whether the victims knew the person responsible.
The shooting occurred in a residential area and drew a substantial police presence as investigators examined the scene. Officers and other personnel canvassed the area while looking for information that could help establish the sequence of events. Authorities have not publicly announced any arrests, criminal charges or suspected motive.
The case remained active Thursday, with significant questions still unresolved, including who fired the shots and why. Cahokia Heights police asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department as investigators continued gathering evidence.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 12, 2026.