Armed Aurora Juvenile Fires 16 Shots At Vehicle At Crowded Gas Station

“The Aurora Police Department has no tolerance for anyone illegally shooting firearms, especially into a crowded area,” Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said.

Aurora - DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Aurora Chief of Police Kristen Ziman announced today that Judge Anthony Coco has ordered a seventeen-year-old Aurora juvenile accused of firing a handgun at a vehicle while at an Aurora gas station be detained until at least his next court appearance. The juvenile has been charged with sixteen counts of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Gang Member (Class 2 Felony), one count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Minor (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Unlawful Use of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony).

On February 21, 2021, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Aurora Police Department officers were dispatched to the Thornton’s Gas Station located at 2800 Ogden Avenue for a report of shots fired. It is alleged that prior to the officers’ arrival, an individual, later identified as the juvenile, exited the passenger side of a vehicle parked in front of the store and began firing shots at another vehicle parked at one of the gas pumps. It is alleged that the victim’s vehicle was struck six times by gunfire. It is alleged that after firing at the victim, the juvenile reentered the passenger’s side of the vehicle in which he arrived and continued to shoot at the victim’s vehicle as his vehicle drove through the gas station parking lot before leaving the scene. An investigation into the incident led authorities to the juvenile as a suspect. While processing the scene, officers recovered a total of sixteen 9 mm cartridge cases in the parking lot of the Thornton’s gas station. On May 6, 2021, the juvenile was arrested and taken into custody in Kane County on unrelated charges.

“It is alleged that in the middle of a Sunday afternoon, the defendant is this case opened fire at a crowded gas station, firing his weapon sixteen times before fleeing the scene,” Berlin said. “This complete disregard for public safety will not be tolerated. Thankfully, no one was injured or worse, killed, by the alleged actions of this juvenile. I commend the Aurora Police Department for their efforts in identifying the juvenile as a suspect in this case for their continued efforts in keeping our neighborhoods safe. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyssa Rabulinski and Lynn Cavallo for their efforts in preparing a strong case against this juvenile.”

“The Aurora Police Department has no tolerance for anyone illegally shooting firearms, especially into a crowded area,” Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said. “Our detectives worked tirelessly on this case and we thank the community for stepping up to give us key information and evidence to bring charges in this shooting. We will continue to work with our partners at the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office to bring justice to those who use illegal guns and put the public at risk.”

The juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 20, 2021, in front of Judge Coco.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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