Prosecutors say a Round Lake Beach man fired shots at a female co-worker after he punched the woman and harassed her outside of a bar in Waukegan.
Lionel Herrera, 27, of the 1200 block of Hawthorne Drive in Round Lake Beach, was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
The Waukegan Police Department responded to a shots fired call Friday at Anastasia’s Restaurant and Sports Lounge, 3880 Northpoint Boulevard in Waukegan.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Russell Caskey said officers spoke with several victims and witnesses, along with Herrera.
Officers learned that a group, including Herrera, had been working the night shift at Abbott and decided to go to Anastasia’s after work for drinks.
Herrera became extremely intoxicated and walked out of Anastasia’s, Caskey said.
Employees refused to allow him to return to the establishment because of his level of intoxication.
The female victim and her co-workers later decided to leave the bar and were walking into the parking lot.
While they were walking, Herrera approached them and began to harass them, Caskey said. The victim told Herrera three times to leave them alone.
Caskey said that Herrera got closer to the female victim and she put her arms up to create distance between them.
Herrera allegedly made contact with her arms as he stepped toward her.
The co-workers attempted to intervene and Herrera then punched the female victim as well as a male co-worker, Caskey said.
A brief scuffle ensued and Herrera walked away before allegedly returning a short time later with a gun in his hand.
Herrera approached the group and the female victim began struggling with him to try and get the gun out of his hand.
Caskey said that Herrera pointed the gun and fired it at the female victim.
The group scattered and Herrera racked the gun again and fired another shot at the female victim as she was walking away, Caskey said.
No one was hit by the gunfire. Video surveillance captured the shooting.
Officers arrested Herrera and found him in possession of a black 9mm handgun. He admitted that it was his.
Herrera has a Firearms Owners Identification card but no concealed carry license.
Assistant Public Defender Divina Ayala asked the court to release Herrera on a personal recognizance bond, while Caskey asked the court to impose a $250,000 bond.
Lake County Judge Bolling Haxall ordered Herrera held on a $250,000 bond.
Herrera was released from custody after posting 10% of his bond.
A status of attorney hearing is scheduled for Thursday.