Authorities: Driver fired gun through own windshield in road rage incident

DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. — A Chicago man driving on Interstate 55 on Saturday night fired three rounds from a gun through his own windshield, striking another motorist’s vehicle twice in an “outrageous” road rage incident, authorities said.

Nicholas Ortiz, 24, of the 5200 block of South Sacramento Avenue, was later arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at a Person or Vehicle, a felony. Judge Demetrios Panoushis denied his pre-trial release.

In a joint statement, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said Ortiz called 911 after he fired shots and claimed the other driver tried to run him off the road. Burr Ridge Police stopped both Ortiz and the other driver at County Line Road and the entrance to I-55. Officers allegedly found a loaded Glock 43 on the passenger seat of Ortiz’s vehicle under a backpack. The other driver was not struck by the gunfire.

“The outrageous conduct alleged against Mr. Ortiz is extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said. “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 added: “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 scheduled for September 23 before Judge Joseph Bugos.

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