CHICAGO — Two men were ordered held without bail Tuesday for an exchange of gunfire involving an off-duty Cook County Sheriff's deputy outside a River West nightclub.
According to prosecutors, the off-duty officer heard gunshots about 2:55 a.m. Sunday. He ran toward the noise and spotted 27-year-old Fernando Lopez shooting at a group of people outside Funky Buddha, 728 W. Grand Ave.
When the officer identified himself and told Lopez, of the 2500 block of West 51st Street, to drop the gun, Lopez pointed his gun at the officer, prosecutors said. At that point, according to Assistant State's Attorney Robert Mack, the officer opened fire, striking Lopez several times.
Lopez dropped his gun, and the officer moved toward him "to render aid," Mack said.
A second man, later identified as 27-year-old Mario Orta of the 2600 block of West 12th Place, picked up the gun and pointed it toward the officer, who was now holding the wounded Lopez in his arms, Mack said.
According to prosecutors, Orta fired shots at the officer, demanding he be allowed to take Lopez away. The officer held onto Lopez until police arrived, Mack said, and Orta fled the scene.
Lopez was taken with multiple gunshot wounds to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was still listed in serious condition Tuesday morning, police said.
Lopez was charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer, not having a FOID card, unlawful use of a weapon with no concealed-carry permit, aggravated discharge of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a gang member, according to police.
Orta was charged with attempted murder, aggravate discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a gang member, according to police.
Judge Laura Sullivan on Tuesday ordered both men held without bail.
The shooting has spurred neighbors to call for the closing of the Funky Buddha.
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