One killed, two injured in shooting at WeatherTech facility

One person was killed and two injured in a June 25 shooting in a distribution center for WeatherTech products in Bolingbrook, Ill.

According to Bolingbrook Police, Charles C. McKnight Jr., age 27, was arrested and charged with one count of first degree murder and two counts of attempted first degree murder. He is a Chicago resident who has been a temporary worker at the facility since June 9.

The shooting happened at 6:25 a.m. at a distribution center for MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd., a Bolingbrook-based thermoformer and injection molder of automotive accessories, home and pet care products.

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“The preliminary investigation has indicated that near the end of the overnight shift, the offender was confronted by employees after the offender allegedly robbed two co-workers, stealing a watch and a wallet at gun point,” Bolingbrook Police said in a news release. “When confronted, an argument ensued and the offender pulled out a handgun and shot three co-workers. This shooting does not appear to be premeditated.”

When police arrived at the scene, the three victims were taken to local hospitals, and law enforcement used K-9 and drones to assist in finding McKnight.

“At approximately 9:26 a.m. Bolingbrook Police officers located the offender in the rear of a residence on the 500 block of Larkspur Lane. The offender was taken into custody without incident. A handgun was also located,” the department said in the release.

All of the victims were WeatherTech employees. The deceased was identified as Central Hightower, 37, of Plainfield, Ill.

A 25-year-old male who was one of the alleged robbery victims is in critical condition, according to police. A 43-year-old male victim was treated and released.

McKnight was employed by a temporary agency.

“WeatherTech is large part of the Bolingbrook business community and we have been in constant contact with their executives throughout this incident, as they were very concerned for the safety of all of their employees,” police said in the release.

MacNeil Automotive is the 24th largest thermoformer in North America, according to Plastics News data, with estimated sales of $100 million. The company was founded in 1989 by current CEO and owner David MacNeil.