A 27-year-old Chicago man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following an interstate shooting that led to a crash involving a semi-truck on Interstate 80/94 in northwest Indiana.
According to the Indiana State Police (ISP), the incident occurred last Tuesday morning when officers from the Lowell District responded to a 911 call reporting a crash on eastbound I-80/94 near Calumet Avenue.
Victim Shot at While Driving
Police said the caller reported being shot at multiple times while traveling from Illinois into Indiana. As the victim attempted to escape the suspected gunman, their vehicle collided with the rear of a semi-truck.
Despite the exchange of gunfire and the subsequent crash, authorities said neither the shooting victim nor the semi-truck driver was injured.
Suspect Arrested in Illinois
Following an investigation involving Indiana and Illinois law enforcement agencies, Illinois State Police arrested Austin L. Cortez, 27, of Chicago, on Tuesday evening.
Cortez has been charged with:
- Attempted murder
- Criminal recklessness with a firearm
He is currently being held at the Cook County Jail in Illinois while awaiting extradition to Indiana to face the charges.
Investigation
Investigators have not released details about what led to the shooting or whether the suspect and victim knew each other. Authorities also have not disclosed a possible motive.
The investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Austin L. Cortez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
