State’s Attorney praises Elmhurst police for work on case
By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
On the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 28, the Independent learned that an incident of apparent road rage took place, resulting in a man being shot in the face by another driver.
Police were called to York & Diversey in Elmhurst on the report of an auto accident, but when they arrived, it was discovered that a 65-year-old man was suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. Police said the victim was shot by the occupant of another vehicle traveling southbound on York Rd.
According to Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth, there was apparently a traffic dispute just prior to the shooting. The victim was taken to Elmhurst Hospital by paramedics and was later reported to be in stable condition. The wife of the victim was also in the vehicle when the incident occurred but she was not injured.
Elmhurst detectives were speaking with several people of interest related to the shooting and were reviewing surveillance video.
Then on Monday, Oct. 30, a release was received from the office of DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, who joined Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael Ruth in announcing that bond had been set for a Melrose Park man accused of opening fire on the automobile following a traffic altercation on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Angelo Navarro, 23, of 3147 Alta Avenue in Melrose Park, appeared in Bond Court on the morning of Oct. 30, where Judge Joseph Bugos set bond at $1.5 million with 10% to apply. Navarro has been charged with one count of Attempt Murder (Class X Felony), one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Endangering the Life of a Child.
The full details of the incident were detailed thusly: On Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at approximately 2 p.m., Elmhurst Police were dispatched to a call of a crash near York Road and Diversey Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers found only one vehicle with a shattered driver’s side window. Officers also found the driver of that vehicle outside of the car bleeding from his face. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. He had been shot in the left cheek with the bullet exiting through his right cheek.
It is alleged that Navarro and his victim were both waiting at an intersection to turn left with Navarro in front of his victim. It is alleged that the victim went around Navarro at the intersection and proceeded to drive away. It is further alleged that Navarro then followed the victim and began tailgating him. It is further alleged that Navarro then pulled his vehicle into the oncoming traffic lane next to the driver’s side of his victim’s car and fired his gun at his victim’s car through the front passenger side of his vehicle.
“The outrageous conduct alleged against Mr. Navarro is extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said. “In addition to allegedly shooting at another motorist, his alleged actions also endangered the life not only of the passengers in his vehicle but also the lives of the motoring public. Thankfully, the victim in this shooting is expected to recover from his injuries. I would like to remind the public once again 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 would like to thank the Elmhurst Police Department as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Erica Bertini for their fine work on this case.”
Navarro’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 13, 2017 in front of Judge George Bakalis.
Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt.
