Chicago- As a result of an intensive investigation by Indiana State Police Detectives, a Chicago man has been arrested by Illinois State Police in connection to this incident. The suspect, Austin L. Cortez, 27, of Chicago, Illinois, was apprehended by the Illinois State Police Tuesday evening.
Cortez is currently being held at the Cook County Jail pending extradition to Indiana. The charges of Attempted Murder and Criminal Recklessness with a Firearm will be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for consideration. Final charges will be determined by the prosecutor.
Original news release is in the link below.
Shooting Victim Crashes on I‑80/94 While Fleeing Suspects; Investigation Ongoing
Northwest Indiana- This morning, the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call from an individual reporting involvement in a crash on eastbound I‑80/94 near Calumet Avenue. The caller advised that they had been shot at multiple times while traveling in Illinois and that the gunfire continued as they crossed into Indiana. Preliminary investigation indicates that, while attempting to evade the suspects, the caller’s vehicle collided with the rear of a semi‑truck.
Officers responded to the crash scene and immediately began their investigation. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators were also dispatched. Due to the extensive crash scene investigation and evidence collection, several interstate lanes were closed for multiple hours. Neither the shooting victim nor the truck driver sustained injuries from the gunfire or the collision.
This investigation remains ongoing.
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