COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — Three people led police on a high-speed chase early Wednesday after they shot a man in his chest in Pilsen, prosecutors said Friday.
The 31-year-old victim is still in the hospital in "serious" condition with a bullet lodged in his chest, Assistant State's Attorney Erin Antonietti said during a bond hearing Friday.
According to prosecutors, Ignacio Cruz, 28, was driving a dark-colored SUV when he pulled up to the victim and began throwing gang signs about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 2100 block of South Leavitt Street.
Two other people — Jake Russell, 23, and a 17-year-old boy — were also in the SUV, prosecutors said.
The 31-year-old victim had just parked his car and was about to visit his cousin when someone inside the SUV stepped out and fired multiple shots, Antonietti said. A nearby police camera captured the movement.
The victim was shot in his chest and left wrist, according to prosecutors, and a bullet is still lodged in the man's chest.
Police in the area tried to pull over the SUV shortly after the shooting, Antonietti said, but Cruz sped off — blowing through multiple red lights and at least four stop signs.
Cruz eventually crashed the SUV, and all three suspects took off running, prosecutors said. Police arrested the group about 12:45 a.m. Wednesday in the 1300 block of North Greenview Avenue and 1200 block of North Noble Street, court records show.
Inside the 2005 Chevy Trailblazer, officers found a 9 mm handgun and a .45 caliber handgun inside the molding of the front passenger door, prosecutors said.
Officers found 9 mm and .45 caliber shell casings at the scene of the shooting, Antonietti noted. Ballistics from the shell casings and guns were a match.
Cruz, of the 1800 block of West 21st Place, is charged with driving on a suspended license, driving 21-25 mph above the speed limit, failing to reduce his speed, failing to stop for stop signs, using an alley as a through-street, aggravated fleeing and aggravated battery by discharge of a firearm.
Russell, of suburban Burbank, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated battery by discharging a firearm.
According to police, the 17-year-old boy is charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Juveniles are charged separately, and police do not release mugshots for minors.
According to prosecutors, Cruz has prior convictions for drugs and reckless-conduct cases. Russell is currently on court supervision for a reckless-conduct conviction.
Cook County Judge Peggy Chiampas on Friday ordered each man held in lieu of $1 million bail.
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