A 29-year-old Chicago man is in custody after Illinois State Police say he opened fire during a road-rage confrontation on the Stevenson Expressway last Wednesday, striking another driver’s vehicle but injuring no one. He remains held pending a first court appearance this week.
According to Country Herald, citing Illinois State Police, the shooting happened on I-55 northbound near California Avenue after a dispute between two drivers. Investigators identified the suspect as 29-year-old Bowen Zhang and said multiple rounds hit the other vehicle. The Cook County State’s Attorney approved charges of attempted murder (a Class X felony) and aggravated discharge of a firearm (a Class 1 felony). ISP officials told the outlet there’s no ongoing threat to the public, and Zhang was located and arrested in Chicago the next day without incident.
Arrest timeline and charges
Illinois State Police agents reportedly identified the vehicle and driver within 24 hours and took Zhang into custody in Chicago on Thursday, according to the article. With the Cook County State’s Attorney’s approval, prosecutors will prepare formal filings as investigators continue to gather evidence.
How state police say they solved it
The Illinois State Police have increasingly relied on targeted investigative work and technology to resolve expressway shootings, including the use of automated license-plate readers. In a January press release, ISP reported interstate shootings declined 31 percent statewide in 2024 and credited enforcement and tools like ALPRs for helping investigations. Illinois State Police also outlines its ALPR program and related privacy safeguards on its transparency page. ISP ALPR transparency
Legal next steps
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges, and Zhang is being held pending an initial court appearance, according to Country Herald. Those allegations, if proven, carry serious penalties under Illinois law; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected as court filings are made.
