Judge denies pre-trial release for North Aurora man charged in West Chicago shooting
A DuPage County judge granted the State's motion on Mar. 19 to deny pre-trial release for Javier Munoz, a 20-year-old North Aurora resident accused of firing a handgun at a moving vehicle in West Chicago last November. Munoz faces two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm after allegedly shooting at a car occupied by a mother and her sixteen-year-old child near the Timberlake Apartment Complex.
The case has drawn attention due to the alleged incident occurring within 1,000 feet of an elementary school, raising concerns about public safety in residential areas. The shots reportedly damaged the vehicle and shattered a nearby patio door, but no injuries were reported.
According to authorities, officers responded to reports of gunfire on Nov. 7, 2025, at approximately 6:43 p.m. Investigators allege that Munoz exited an apartment building and pursued the Ford Explorer before firing multiple rounds as it drove away. Five spent shell casings were recovered from the scene. An arrest warrant was issued on Mar. 6, and Munoz was taken into custody on Mar. 18.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said, “The allegations that Mr. Munoz opened fire on a vehicle with two occupants in a public parking lot within one thousand feet of a school are extremely disturbing and will be met with the full force of the law.” Berlin also said, “Thankfully, neither of the occupants of the vehicle or any other innocent bystanders were injured as a result of Mr. Munoz’s alleged behavior. This type of blatant disregard for public safety and the rule of law, as alleged in this case, will not be tolerated in DuPage County.”
West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury said, “The discharge of a firearm in any residential area, such as the Timberlake Apartment Complex, demonstrates a profound disregard for the safety of our residents.” Fleury added that removing those who compromise neighborhood peace is a top priority for officers.
The incident occurred near schools that are part of DuPage County's education system which had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year with over 142,000 students enrolled according to state data. Teacher absenteeism was recorded at 38.3% during that period as reported by state officials. Among local schools, York Community High School had the highest enrollment among white students with 1,844; Metea Valley High School led among multiracial students with 162; Westmore Elementary School had ten Pacific Islander students; and Addison Trail High School had the highest Hispanic student enrollment at 1,259 according to state records.
Munoz is scheduled for arraignment on April 13 before Judge Joseph Bugos. Authorities remind residents that charges are not proof of guilt and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.