
A Waukegan man faces up to 100 years in prison after a jury convicted him of attempted murder for shooting at police officers in North Chicago last summer.
Oscar Martinez, 22, of Waukegan, was charged in June 2022 with attempted murder of a peace officer, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a peace officer and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
The North Chicago Police Department responded on June 26, 2022, to a report of shots fired.
Police arrived at a residence and located Martinez outside holding a firearm, prosecutors said.
After police officers ordered Martinez to put the firearm down, he began firing shots at the officers, prosecutors said.
The man attempted to flee the area but he was taken into custody a short time later. No officers or civilians were injured during the incident.
A jury trial commenced on Monday and lasted three days. The police officers who were targeted by Martinez testified at the trial.
Prosecutors Scott Hoffert and Kevin Berrill, along with Martinez’s defense counsel, George Gomez, rested in the case Tuesday afternoon.
Closing arguments took place Wednesday morning and the jury began deliberations.
The jury returned guilty verdicts for three counts of attempted murder of a peace officer after two hours of deliberations.
“We cherish the life of all Lake County residents. Law enforcement officers in particular deserve our protection because they dedicate their lives to protecting all communities every day. This offender will now face the consequences of his terrible actions. We appreciate the service of the jury,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said following the verdict.
The charge is a Class X felony and carries a mandatory sentence of 40-100 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Martinez was being held at the Lake County Jail on a $1 million bond while awaiting his trial. His bond has since been revoked.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 14.