Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Carol Stream Chief of Police Don Cummings announced today that Judge Susan Alvarado has granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Carol Stream man accused of shooting another man following a road rage altercation. Carlos Sanchez, 26, of the 800 block of New Britton Road, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Battery - Discharge of a Firearm (Class X Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Endangering the Health or Life of a Child.

On June 27, 2024, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Carol Stream patrol units responded to Lowes Home Improvement, located at 400 W. Army Trail Road, for a report of a person with a gun and a male on the ground. Upon their arrival, officers located a male on the ground suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention and is in stable condition.

Following an investigation into the shooting, it is alleged that Sanchez and the victim got into a road rage incident near Army Trail Road and Kuhn Road. It is alleged that when the victim entered the Lowes parking lot, Sanchez followed him. It is further alleged that both individuals exited their cars and following a verbal and physical altercation, Sanchez pulled out a gun and shot the victim in his leg. It is alleged that on at least two occasions Sanchez told the victim “I’m going to shoot you.” Following the shooting, Sanchez allegedly fled the scene. It is further alleged that Sanchez’s six-year-old son was in the car with him at the time. Carol Stream police took Sanchez into custody shortly afterward from his home without incident.

“It is alleged that following a road rage incident, Carlos Sanchez followed his victim into a parking lot and after a brief verbal and physical altercation, pulled out a gun and shot his victim in the leg,” Berlin said. “This complete disregard for public safety will not be tolerated. I urge anyone who may find themselves involved in a road rage incident to take a deep breath and do not let your emotions get the best of you. Road rage incidents can escalate quickly and lead to violence, as alleged in this case. Thankfully, the victim in this case does not appear to have sustained life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. I also find it particularly disturbing that Sanchez’s six-year-old son was allegedly with him the entire time to witness not only a road rage altercation but also this alleged shooting. I thank the Carol Stream Police Department for their work in identifying and apprehending the defendant in this case as well as numerous law enforcement agencies that assisted. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Philip Ungar and Michael Paup for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Sanchez.”

“Road rage is a serious and growing concern on our streets,” Cummings said. “It endangers lives and creates a hostile environment for all drivers. A moment of anger can have lifelong consequences. In addition to the exceptional job performed by our responding officers and investigators, I would like to thank Hanover Park, Winfield, Bloomingdale, Darien Police Departments as well as DuPage County Forest Preserve Police and DuPage County Sheriff’s Office for lending resources to effect an arrest. I would also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their diligence in ensuring appropriate evidence was gathered to bring forth criminal charges.”

Sanchez’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 22, 2024, before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial where it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.