Reputed Park Ridge Gang Leader Charged in Albany Park Shooting

Thaddeus Jimenez, 36, of Park Ridge, and reputed leader of the Simon City Royals, is accused of shooting a man in both legs. | Chicago Police Department

A reputed Park Ridge gang leader man has been charged in connection to a shooting in North Center that occurred Monday morning.

Thaddeus Jimenez, 36, of the 1400 block of Tyrell, Park Ridge, is facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery and discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, and aggravated unlawful use of weapon and loaded firearm by a felon.

Jimenez was also arrested on misdemeanor charges of driving on a suspended license and reckless driving.

Police said that Jimenez shot a man in the legs in the 3500 block of West Belle Plaine Avenue around 11:15 a.m. Monday, described as an “internal gang dispute,” the Chicago Tribune reported.

Jimenez and a second man were spotted by police speeding through the neighborhood in a Mercedes convertible blocks. Both were taken into custody blocks away from the shooting scene after they crashed their car in the 3800 block of North St. Louis Avenue.

Police said they recovered a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle and a .380 semi-automatic handgun from the two.

In 2012, Jimenez won $25 million in a lawsuit against the city and Chicago police for a wrongful murder conviction from his youth. Jimenez alleged that detectives pressured witnesses to testify against him.

Jimenez, the reputed leader of the Simon City Royals, is due in bond court at 26th and California on Wednesday.