Friday's morning rush on the Stevenson Expressway turned violent when a reported road-rage encounter left one driver wounded and another in handcuffs. Authorities say a man opened fire on another vehicle on northbound I-55 near Damen Avenue, injuring the driver before speeding off. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, and investigators later identified 22-year-old Daniel Zaragoza as the suspect and arrested him that night. He is being held ahead of his initial court appearance.
According to a press release from the Illinois State Police, troopers were called out around 8:36 a.m. for reports of shots fired on northbound I-55 near Damen and quickly zeroed in on a suspect vehicle. The release states that troopers located Zaragoza shortly before midnight and took him into custody, while also reminding drivers not to let tense moments behind the wheel spiral into road-rage confrontations.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has approved one count of aggravated battery with a firearm against Zaragoza, a Class X felony, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago. FOX 32 also reported that the victim was treated at an area hospital and that Zaragoza remains held as he awaits his first court date.
What The Charge Means
Aggravated battery with a firearm can be prosecuted as a Class X felony in Illinois. Under the state’s sentencing code, Class X felonies generally carry a determinate prison term of six to 30 years and typically do not allow for probation. As outlined in Illinois law, extended terms are possible in cases with aggravating factors.
How This Fits A Larger Pattern
The arrest comes as the Illinois State Police have reported a recent drop in interstate shootings, noting in a January release that there were zero fatal expressway shootings in 2025, according to the Illinois State Police. The agency has credited investigative work and technology with helping to close cases on the expressways, and local coverage has highlighted similar I-55 road-rage incidents in recent months. Coverage of a November 2025 Stevenson Expressway shooting and arrest underscored how quickly troopers can sometimes track down suspects.
Zaragoza remains in custody as investigators continue to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information or relevant video to share it with investigators.
