2 South Suburban Men Accused Of Shooting At 16-Year-Old To Be Detained

OAK LAWN, IL—Despite their lack of criminal records, two south suburban men were ordered to be held in Cook County Jail following a detention hearing Thursday at the Bridgeview Courthouse before Judge Linzey Jones.

Juan Serrato, 24, of Richton Park, and 22-year-old David Serrato, of Harvey, are each charged with felony aggravated discharge of a firearm in an alleged ambush of a 16-year-old Oak Lawn youth.

Around 12:50 a.m. Monday, Oak Lawn police responded to a call of shots fired at an apartment complex in the 5700 block of Circle Drive. Police said two men, later identified as Juan and David Serrato, had fired multiple rounds at a juvenile in the parking lot, police said.

The 16-year-old boy said he knew one of the pair from Instagram. He had just walked outside his home when the Serratos and two other occupants drove up in a white Infiniti sedan, the prosecutor said.

Juan and David exited the vehicle when the prosecutor said they opened fire on the teen. The teen was not injured and was able to run back into the building for cover. The prosecutor said the Serratos ran back to the Infiniti, which fled the scene.

A neighbor heard the gunshots and called police with a description of the vehicle. Three spent shell casings were found in the parking lot.

An alert Oak Lawn police officer saw the suspects’ white Infiniti traveling southbound on Cicero. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the car sped away. Through plate readers, police were able to identify the registration, the prosecutor said.

Alsip police found the Infiniti in the 4800 block of 122nd Street a short time later. The prosecutor said both Serratos were found outside the vehicle, carrying loaded handguns.

According to the complaint, a tan Glock was found on David, while Juan had a black Glock. Casings found back at the parking lot matched the black Glock, the prosecutor said. David Serrato had a valid FOID/CCL.

The teen was brought to the scene, who the prosecutor said identified both Serratos as the men who shot at him. Gunshot residue also purportedly was found on David.

The prosecutor said there was no video of the shooting, just the teen fleeing on foot.

“These are two grown men in their twenties shooting at a 16-year-old,” the prosecutor said. “They present a threat to the victim. The reality is while they didn’t know where he lived before, they know where he lives now.”

The assistant public defender told the judge that David lived with his family and has a welder license. Juan Serrato worked for Amazon until April and has been shot before. Although it was originally reported that Juan lived in Harvey, his attorney said he lived in Calumet City. Both graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School and attended mass.

She also argued there were several inconsistencies in the victim’s statements to police.

“During the entire interview, he has a beef with one subject,” the assistant public defender said. “He believed both were shooting. Another witness saw [David and Juan] running away from the gunfire.”

Although the pair did not have a criminal past, they pose a danger to the victim, Judge Jones said.

“They drove to where they knew he’d be, that’s a threat,” the judge said, ordering both to be detained in Cook County Jail.

David and Juan Serratto are due back in court July 20 in Bridgeview.

The Oak Lawn Police Department extends its gratitude to the Alsip Police Department for their prompt and valuable assistance, which played a critical role in securing these charges.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Smart911 notifications through the Village of Oak Lawn website. Community members may also register their home or business cameras through the Connect Oak Lawn portal. Tips and video evidence may be shared by texting 708-613-TIPS (8477).