A Monday night drive on northbound I-294 near Touhy Avenue in Des Plaines ended with gunfire and a felony charge, according to Illinois State Police. Investigators say a 65-year-old Morton Grove man opened fire at another driver during a road-rage dustup, then headed home, where troopers arrested him hours later. No one was hit, and no injuries were reported.
Troopers were called around 8:35 p.m. for a report of shots fired on the tollway and quickly locked in on a suspect vehicle, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Illinois State Police told the outlet the driver, identified as Victor M. Fernandez, allegedly fired at another motorist during the confrontation. Troopers shared the vehicle information with nearby departments, and Morton Grove police helped track Fernandez to his home.
Arrest and Charge
With Morton Grove officers assisting, state troopers found Fernandez at a Morton Grove address and took him into custody, the Daily Herald reported. The Cook County state's attorney approved a single count of aggravated discharge of a firearm. According to the paper, Fernandez is listed as living in the 5500 block of Lincoln Avenue in Morton Grove and was being held ahead of his first court appearance.
What the Law Says
Under Illinois law, aggravated discharge of a firearm is a Class 1 felony that typically carries a sentencing range of four to 15 years in prison, according to legal summaries of 720 ILCS 5/24-1.2. In some circumstances, the offense can be bumped up to a Class X felony with longer potential prison terms. The law targets shootings directed at people, vehicles or occupied buildings and includes enhanced penalties in certain situations. As with any criminal case, Fernandez is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
What Happens Next
Fernandez remains in custody pending his initial appearance in court, where prosecutors will decide how to proceed on the charge and what bond conditions to request, authorities told FOX 32 Chicago. Investigators have not said what sparked the road-rage encounter, and they say the case is still very much open. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Illinois State Police or Morton Grove police.
State police are continuing to review any available video and witness statements tied to the shooting, the Daily Herald added. For now, the case sits with Cook County prosecutors as it moves toward the court system.
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