2 Arrested After 2 Hit-And-Run Crashes, Firing Gun From Car: Cops

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Two men are in custody following two hit-and-run crashes in Lake County, including one that injured a 9-year-old boy. One of the men is also accused of firing a gun out of his car before fleeing the scene of the first collision Saturday afternoon, police said.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office was first called to a reported traffic crash with injuries at O'Plaine Road and Route 137 in Green Oaks at about 5 p.m. Saturday and learned a silver pickup truck had hit a vehicle and then fled the scene, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. A 9-year-old boy in the crash sustained serious injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

Police learned that prior to the Green Oaks collision, the same pickup truck was involved in a separate hit-and-run crash at O'Plaine Road and Route 120 in Waukegan, according to the news release. While fleeing the scene, the driver illegally passed another vehicle nearly forcing it off the road.

As the truck sped past, a passenger inside took out a gun and fired two rounds, according to police.

The pickup truck was later spotted near Route 41 and Deerfield Road in Highland Park where police took the driver, Paul J. Zawojski, 29, and the passenger, Chase Parthe, 31, both of the 700 block of North Broadway Avenue in Park Ridge, into custody, according to authorities.

Police also found a 9mm pistol inside the truck and various narcotics, according to authorities.

Parthe has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, reckless discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of cocaine, Xanax, Adderall and cannabis.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

Zawojski has been charged with unlawful possession of cocaine, failure to report a crash causing, open transportation of alcohol and multiple traffic violations.

Zawojski and Parthe remain in the Lake County Jail pending their first court appearance. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office intends to file a petition to detain both men in custody while they await trial.