Chicago, IL – A DuPage County judge has denied pre-trial release for a Chicago man accused of firing shots during a road rage incident on I-55. Nicholas Ortiz, 24, from the 5200 block of S. Sacramento Avenue, appeared in court today on charges of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, a Class 1 felony.
Authorities allege that on August 31, 2024, Ortiz, driving a 2023 Kia Telluride, fired three rounds from a Glock 43 at a 2022 Kia Sorento near mile post 374. The incident occurred after Ortiz allegedly took evasive action to avoid a collision and subsequently positioned his vehicle behind the victim’s car. The shots struck the victim’s vehicle twice.
After the shooting, Ortiz allegedly followed the victim off I-55 and called 911, claiming the victim had attempted to run him off the road. Burr Ridge Police stopped both vehicles and recovered a loaded Glock 43 from Ortiz’s car.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting that such dangerous behavior endangers everyone on the road. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly echoed Berlin’s sentiments, committing to robust enforcement against such acts of violence.
Ortiz’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 23, 2024.
