Teacher Charged With Shooting Tinley Park Man Seven Times After Traffic Incident

TINLEY PARK, IL — Bail was set at $500,000 for a school teacher accused of pumping seven bullets into a 25-year-old Tinley Park man apparently after a bizarre traffic altercation, prosecutors said. Andres Rodriguez, 38, appeared before Cook County Judge Donald Havis Thursday afternoon on a charge of attempted murder. The younger man, who was seriously injured, remains hospitalized.

The prosecutor said Rodriguez was walking in the 6900 block of 173rd Place around 1:30 a.m. July 18 when he reportedly hit the 25-year-old man’s car. The younger man got out of his vehicle and confronted Rodriguez, who tried to run away on foot. Rodriguez allegedly threatened to kill the driver, drawing a Sig Sauer P238 .380-caliber gun.

According to the charges, Rodriguez fired his weapon at the younger man several times. The younger man fell to the ground moaning in pain and calling for help. The prosecutor said Rodriguez fired more shots at him until the younger man lost consciousness. When the younger man came to, he reached for his gun but discovered that the magazine had been removed.

While police were at the scene, Rodriguez returned with his hands up. The prosecutor said Rodriguez’s shirt was covered with blood. Tinley Park police said in a news release that the driver was able to talk to them. According to police, the younger man said he thought Rodriguez was a cop. The driver, who has a valid concealed-carry permit, told police he did not have his weapon drawn when the altercation began to unfold, the prosecutor said.

The driver was taken to Silver Cross Hospital. The prosecutor said the younger man has since been transferred to Loyola University Medical Center. The man suffered gunshot wounds to his abdomen, side, back, arm and behind his ear. The younger man’s colon is also perforated. During the bond hearing, the prosecutor said family members indicated that the bullet behind his ear "cannot be removed at this time." According to Tinley Park police, the younger man was shot seven times.

“Witnesses told police they heard gunshots and yelling,” the prosecutor said.

Rodriguez has no prior criminal background. His attorney told the judge that his client is a graduate of Andrew High School. He has a master’s degree in education and is a school teacher. Rodriguez also has a valid concealed-carry permit, according to his attorney.

“I believe the evidence will show that [Rodriguez] acted in self-defense,” the attorney said. "We are asking for a reasonable bond."

Rodriguez, who resides in the 18200 block of Kirby Driver in Tinley Park, shows up as an elementary English teacher in Joliet.

Bail was set at $500,000. Rodriguez is due back in court Aug. 16 in Bridgeview.