Crime & Safety

Harvey Man, 36, Charged In I-57 Road Rage Shooting: State Police

The shooting happened on I-57 near 159th Street in Harvey Tuesday morning, state police said.

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.

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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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