Des Plaines Man Charged With Felonies For Firing Gun Into Air: Police

UNINCORPORATED DES PLAINES, IL — An unincorporated Des Plaines man is being charged with two felonies for reportedly firing a handgun into the air multiple times before attempting to flee police. Eric Chavez, 29, of the 8800 block of Dee Road, is accused of felony reckless discharge of a firearm, felony unlawful uses of a weapon, and was arrested Monday, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Chavez is currently being held on a $50,000 bond following a Wednesday court appearance.

According to police, officers responded to the area of the 8800 block of Dee Road following a call of shots having been fired. Investigators found six shell casings in the middle of the street and five additional shell casings nearby. Police said no injuries or damage to property were reported.

After reviewing security video footage, police identified Chavez and another person exiting a vehicle and walk to the area where the shots were fired and the shell casings had been found. Police were able to trace the vehicle to a residence on the same block, where they encountered Chavez outside the home, who was holding a handgun in his right hand. Police said Chavez ignored verbal commands to drop the gun and attempted to flee on foot, but was arrested and taken into custody.

According to police, Chavez eventually admitted to owning the handgun, firing shots into the air, and running away from officers. A handgun retrieved from Chavez matched the make and caliber of the 11 shell casings found at the scene of the incident. Police said Chavez did not possess a valid FOID card or a concealed and carry license.