Scared Driver Points Gun at Two People In Traffic: Prosecutor

BRIDGEVIEW, IL -- A Summit man was arrested in Bridgeview after he pointed a gun at two people in traffic, prosecutors said. Jose Esparza, 23, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He was also charged with misdemeanor aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The prosecutor said Esparza was pulled over by police on Sept. 13 after he was spotted weaving in and out of traffic. The two people in the car reported that Esparza drove up beside their vehicle and allegedly pointed a gun at them. Police found a loaded 9mm gun under the driver’s seat in Esparza’s vehicle. Esparza had a valid conceal-carry permit and FOID card.

Esparza’s attorney told the judge that his client was being chased for period of time by the two individuals in the car. They pulled up next to the Esparza’s vehicle and rolled the window down. The attorney said Esparza had his 5-year-old in the car and was scared.

Bail was set at $10,000. Esparza was order to surrender his FOID, conceal-carry and weapons to the Bridgeview Police Department. Esparza is due back in court Oct. 11 in Bridgeview.