Melrose Park Man Charged In Elmhurst Road Rage Shooting

ELMHURST, IL — A Melrose Park man accused of shooting another vehicle during a road rage incident has had his bond set at $1.5 million. Angelo Navarro, 23, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and one count of misdemeanor endangering the life of a child.

Patch reported Saturday when a 65-year-old man was shot in the face in Elmhurst. Police arrived on scene at 2:13 p.m. Saturday for a call of a car crash at York Road and Diversey Avenue. According to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, police found one vehicle with a shattered driver's side window, and the driver of the vehicle was outside the vehicle bleeding from his face.

According to the State's Attorney's Office, the victim was shot in the left cheek with the bullet exiting through his right cheek. He was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries.

It is alleged that Navarro and his victim were both waiting at an intersection to turn left with Navarro in front of his victim, the State's Attorney's Office said. It is alleged that the victim went around Navarro at the intersection and proceeded to drive away. It is further alleged that Navarro then followed the victim and began tailgating him. It is further alleged that Navarro then pulled his vehicle into the oncoming traffic lane next to the driver’s side of his victim’s car and fired his gun at his victim’s car through the front passenger side of his vehicle. Navarro also had his son in the backseat of his car during this incident.

“The outrageous conduct alleged against Mr. Navarro is extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a release. “In addition to allegedly shooting at another motorist, his alleged actions also endangered the life not only of the passengers in his vehicle but also the lives of the motoring public. Thankfully, the victim in this shooting is expected to recover from his injuries."

Navarro’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 13 in front of Judge George Bakalis.

Photo provided by Elmhurst Police Department.