A shooting on the West Side last weekend was a “senseless” crime committed by a driver frustrated over another motorist’s lane change, according to authorities. The revelation came as prosecutors charged Darion Gaddy, 25, with firing the rounds that injured a 55-year-old man on Sunday afternoon in the 300 block of South Central.
Prosecutors claim Darion Gaddy and the victim were stopped at a traffic light when the victim attempted to merge into Gaddy’s lane after the light turned green. The action drew Gaddy’s vehicle closer to approaching traffic.
Gaddy, enraged by the lane change, pulled out a revolver and fired through his window at the victim’s car, according to officials.
According to authorities, the victim reported hearing at least three rounds before his front window cracked and a bullet injured his left arm. Gaddy fled the area as the victim pulled over and asked for assistance.
Another motorist who heard the gunfire followed Gaddy and guided police to his location, according to the state’s detain request. Chicago police allegedly found two shotshells in Gaddy’s jeans pocket and three more inside his Jeep, as well as a weapon in the vehicle.
According to Gaddy’s arrest report, he informed police he fired shots because two cars were attempting to box him in.
Judge Shauna Boliker granted the state’s detention petition, stating that Gaddy’s “senseless” behavior was intended to intimidate and offend the victim, who was only changing lanes.
