DuPage County, Illinois — A Chicago man driving on Interstate 55 on Saturday night shot three rounds from a revolver through his own window, striking another driver’s vehicle twice in an “outrageous” road rage incident, according to investigators.
Nicholas Ortiz, 24, of the 5200 block of South Sacramento Avenue, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at a Person or Vehicle, which is a felony. Judge Demetrios Panoushis rejected his pretrial release.
In a joint statement, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said Ortiz contacted 911 after firing bullets and claimed the other driver attempted to run him off the road. Burr Ridge police stopped Ortiz and the other driver at County Line Road and the I-55 entry. Officers allegedly discovered a loaded Glock 43 on Ortiz’s vehicle’s passenger seat, concealed inside a backpack. The second driver was not hit by the bullets.
“The outrageous conduct alleged against Mr. Ortiz is extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin informed the crowd. “In addition to allegedly shooting at another motorist, Mr. Ortiz’s alleged actions not only endangered the life of the victim as well as his own life, but also the lives of the motoring public.”
Berlin went further: “If you find yourself involved in a traffic altercation, stay calm and don’t let your emotions get the better of you and if necessary, call 911.”
Ortiz’s next court appearance was set for September 23 before Judge Joseph Bugos.
