Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Director of the Illinois State Police Brendan Kelly announced today that Judge Demetrios Panoushis has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago man accused of opening fire on another automobile last night. Nicholas Ortiz, 24, of the 5200 block of S. Sacramento Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at a Person or Vehicle (Class 1 Felony).

On August 31, 2024, at approximately 7:23 p.m., the victim was driving his 2022 Kia Sorento northbound on I-55 in the center lane. It is alleged that as the victim merged into the left lane, Ortiz, who was driving in the left lane, approached the victim at a high rate of speed. It is alleged that Ortiz, who was driving a 2023 Kia Telluride, took an evasive maneuver to avoid a crash and drove on the shoulder. It is further alleged that Ortiz reentered the left lane, positioned himself behind the victim and near mile post 374 near Cass Avenue, fired three rounds from a Glock 43 through his own windshield at the victim’s car, striking the vehicle twice. It is alleged that after the shooting, the victim exited I-55 in Burr Ridge and Ortiz continued to follow him. It is further alleged that as Ortiz followed the victim, he called 911 and reported that the victim had tried to run him off the road. After receiving the 911 call, Burr Ridge Police stopped both Ortiz and the victim at County Line Road and the entrance to I-55. Officers recovered a loaded Glock 43 on the passenger seat of Ortiz’s vehicle under a backpack.

“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. Thankfully, no one was injured or worse as a result of Mr. Ortiz’s alleged actions. I would like to remind the public that 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 9-1-1. I thank the Illinois State Police as well as Burr Ridge Police Department for their efforts on this case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael McBride and Michael Paup for their work in securing charges against Mr. Ortiz.”

“Dangerous and potentially deadly acts of firearm violence on our interstates will not go unanswered by Illinois State Police or our local law enforcement partners,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly. “The ISP appreciates swift and decisive action by State’s Attorney Berlin and his team charging this case.”

Ortiz’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 23, 2024, in front of Judge Joseph Bugos.

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