Cook County, IL – A Homewood man is facing multiple felony charges after a Cook County Sheriff’s Police investigation found he allegedly struck a woman with a firearm and prevented her from calling for help while the two were returning from a Bears-Packers watch party, officials said.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident began around 7:30 p.m. on December 7, 2025, when a woman approached officers at an unrelated traffic crash near Joe Orr Road and Stoney Island Avenue. She told deputies that a passenger in her vehicle had a gun and was trying to kill her. Officers located the man, later identified as Jabari Gates, and took him into custody. They found a firearm in the snow nearby, officials said.
Deputies also recovered a magazine from inside the vehicle after the victim permitted a search. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Gates was riding in the vehicle with the victim after a watch party in Chicago when he allegedly pulled out a firearm, struck her with it, and pointed the gun at her while she drove. He also allegedly prevented her from calling 911.
On December 9, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges against Gates, including aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, aggravated domestic battery, and possession of a firearm—a repeat felony offense. Gates was ordered to Cook County Jail on December 10 following his initial appearance at the Markham Courthouse.
Officials reminded the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
