Shooting Suspect Stopped In Burr Ridge: Prosecutors

BURR RIDGE, IL – A Chicago man shot at another driver over the weekend during a road rage incident and followed the victim into Burr Ridge, authorities said.

Burr Ridge officers then stopped the man, identified as Nicholas Ortiz, 24.

About 7:30 p.m. Saturday, a man was driving a 2022 Kia Sorento north on Interstate 55 in the center lane when he merged into the left lane, police said.

Ortiz, who was driving in the left lane, sped toward the man, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors.

Ortiz, who was driving a 2023 Kia Telluride, then avoided a crash and drove on the shoulder, police said. He re-entered the left lane and positioned himself behind the victim near Cass Avenue.

Ortiz then fired three rounds from a Glock 43 through his own windshield at the victim's car, striking the car twice, police said.

The victim then exited I-55 in Burr Ridge, with Ortiz following him, according to the news release.

The victim called 911, so Burr Ridge officers stopped Ortiz and the victim on County Line Road, near the entrance to I-55, police said.

Officers found a loaded Glock 43 under a backpack on Ortiz's passenger seat, the news release said.

Ortiz was charged with one felony count of aggravated discharge of a firearm at a person or vehicle.

"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," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement. "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."