Darien Candidate 'Joking Around' By Firing Shots: Report

DARIEN, IL — Darien City Council candidate John Laratta is saying on Patch's website that he fired no shots the night of Dec. 29, 2019, when police arrested him.

However, when Laratta's wife was asked about her husband firing shots, she said he was "just joking around," according to a police report. They live in a neighborhood of town homes.

After an investigation that took place for more than a year, Darien police announced last week that the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office chose not to file charges against Laratta, 76.

Late last week, Darien Patch obtained the police report that detailed the night of Dec. 29, 2019,when police arrested Laratta in connection with the alleged shooting.

Shortly before midnight, Laratta's niece called police about her belief that shots had been fired at her aunt and uncle's house in the 8000 block of Barrymore Drive, according to the report.

She said she was speaking with her aunt, Laratta's wife, when she heard two gunshots in the background, the report said. She then heard her aunt ask "What are you doing?" to someone near her and the phone call was disconnected, police said.

The niece called the wife shortly after while a police dispatcher was on the line. The dispatcher, who could hear the conversation, learned Laratta was inside the house, had been in a possible argument with his wife and possibly went outside to fire his gun twice, police said.

Darien officers also got calls from two neighbors who reported hearing two gunshots. One of them was an off-duty police officer.

In an interview with police, the niece said she told her aunt that it was not safe at home and that she needed to leave. She said her aunt got into the car and was going to drive to Joliet to stay at her sister's house.

Police later interviewed Laratta's wife at the police department. She said she did not know why her husband would shoot outside the house but that she would feel comfortable with him in the house.

Laratta's wife said he had been out having a few drinks before arriving home at 8 p.m. and continued to consume alcohol from their personal bar, according to the police report.

After his arrival, the two had a "discussion" about her plan to leave early for their annual winter stay in Florida, the report said. She told police that Laratta became upset and told her he did not like to stay apart from her, police said.

While on the phone with her niece, Laratta's wife told police she heard two gunshots, police said. She came down from her loft and saw the patio doors open, with Laratta standing inside the doorway.

Laratta's wife said she could not see the type of gun that Laratta was holding, the report said. She also said she did not witness the shooting.

Asked why she believed Laratta fired the gun, "I don't know, he was just joking around... There are not any houses, he only shot at the pond," according to the police report.

In a statement last week, Police Chief Greg Thomas said the police had plenty of probable cause to arrest Laratta, but he said the state's attorney decided against filing charges.

Last summer, Laratta filed a complaint alleging police misconduct on the night of the incident. He said the police injured him while taking him into custody and failed to provide a lawyer when he requested one. In December, the police chief said he determined the complaint was unfounded.

Laratta is running against Ward 5 Alderwoman Mary Sullivan in the April 6 election. Around the time he filed his candidacy last month, Laratta went public with his complaints over his arrest by posting comments on Patch. That prompted Patch to file public records requests for documents related to his arrest.

Laratta, who said he is a veteran with a 100 percent military service-connected disability, has declined to answer repeated Patch messages about the details of the incident. Over the last week, he has posted several messages a day on Patch criticizing both the police department and Patch.

On Sunday, Laratta wrote, "The Patch and the Darien police are doing very well keeping the real reason of the Darien police brutalizing and terrorizing me into unconscious, out of sight. I can understand how a small-time internet gossip column, (intimidated) by a group of vicious thugs in blue Darien police uniforms, has to keep my name in very detrimental HEADLINES, as is the plan."

Laratta, a former homeowners association president, said he has been a good citizen in his 21 years as a Darien resident.

"I have found that the old saying 'You can’t fight City Hall' is so true," Laratta wrote Saturday. "Look what is happening to me. My life, reputation, what I have worked for all my life, gone in a blink of an eye."