A man has been charged with armed violence during a road rage incident in Mount Prospect, according to the police.
Edwin C. Laguna, 38, of Wheeling, has been charged with one felony count of armed violence, one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, one felony count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, one felony count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, and one felony count of aggravated driving without a license, among other misdemeanors.
On March 22, two victims reported to Mount Prospect police that they had been followed for approximately seven miles by a blue Jeep SUV driving aggressively at 4 p.m. According to the victims, they saw the motorist, later identified as Laguna, on the 1100 block of Boxwood Drive. Laguna was apparently gesticulating at them, possibly using gang signs. The victims drove away, only to learn the Jeep was still following them.
The victims reported seeing a red laser emanating from the Jeep, pointing at them many times, while Laguna held an unknown instrument in his hand. The Jeep then accelerated toward them, stopping just before colliding with them multiple times. The victims claim that when they drove east on Kensignton Road toward the police station, the Jeep stopped following them.
Police used automatic license plate cameras to identify the Jeep. Police discovered the car in the 500 block of Dogwood Lane, with three persons inside it. Officers claim they observed open alcohol containers in the car, and during the search, they discovered a handgun, a red laser attachment for the gun, a potential controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and empty and open alcoholic beverage containers.
Police apprehended the three people. The other two offenders were charged with a single petty misdemeanor of transporting open alcohol and released.
“The swift and decisive action taken by our officers during this incident removed a dangerous weapon and a violent offender from our community,” Deputy Police Chief Bart Tweedie said. “We will continue to prioritize the arrest of those who choose to endanger our residents, ensuring violent felons are held accountable for their actions and that our neighborhoods remain safe,” he added.
Laguna’s next court date is set for Tuesday.
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