Lake County, IL – A 22-year-old North Chicago man is facing multiple felony weapons charges after sheriff’s deputies say he fired a gun into the air outside a Lake County bar early Friday morning, prompting a rapid response and arrest.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. Friday during bar closing time in the 37800 block of North Sheridan Road in Beach Park. A sheriff’s deputy stationed nearby reported hearing several gunshots coming from the parking lot area and immediately alerted other units.
Moments later, another deputy observed a white work van leaving the parking lot at a high rate of speed. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Danis J. Nunez-Bonilla, 22, of the 1100 block of Adams Street in North Chicago, according to authorities.
During the stop, deputies allegedly found Nunez-Bonilla in possession of a 9mm handgun equipped with an extended magazine. Investigators also recovered multiple spent shell casings inside the van, along with 11 additional shell casings located near the bar.
Deputies believe the gun was fired in what they described as an act of celebration, according to the sheriff’s office. No injuries were reported.
After reviewing the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges:
- Four counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 2 felonies)
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 felony)
- Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 felony)
Sheriff John D. Idleburg praised the deputies’ response, saying their quick coordination prevented a potentially deadly outcome.
Nunez-Bonilla remains held at the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing Friday morning. Prosecutors plan to seek his detention while the case proceeds.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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