HARVEY, IL — A Harvey man has been charged in connection with a road rage incident that escalated to an expressway shooting, Illinois State Police said Wednesday.
On July 28, around 10:56 a.m., ISP responded to the report of an expressway shooting on I-57 southbound at 159th Street in Markham. During a suspected road rage incident, the suspect fired a weapon at a victim, striking their vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Troopers quickly identified the suspect vehicle and potential suspect, Michael Watts, 36, of Harvey. Around 12:30 p.m., Troopers located the suspect vehicle near Lincoln Highway and Pulaski in Matteson, and attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled. The vehicle eventually crashed near 147th Street and Cooper Avenue. Watts ran from the crashed vehicle and two troopers engaged him in a foot pursuit. Troopers quickly took Watts into custody. A firearm was subsequently recovered. Two children were located inside the crashed vehicle and were transported to an area hospital out of precaution, state police said.
The Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved a charge of felony aggravated discharge of a firearm.
Watts remains in custody pending his first court appearance.
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