A convicted felon accused of firing seven shots at a pizza delivery driver, resulting in a SWAT standoff in Antioch, sobbed in court before a judge ordered him detained pending trial.
The Antioch Police Department responded around 10:30 p.m. Saturday to the 1200 block of Main Street for several 911 calls of shots fired.
Officers arrived at the Country Manor Apartments and met with a delivery driver from a local restaurant.
The driver was making food deliveries in the area and arrived at the complex with a delivery, police officials said.
He was met by Travis R. Malott, 34, who resides at the apartments.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Kelse Banks said Malott recognized the Domino’s pizza delivery driver from his past.
Malott believed the driver was the reason he had been previously sent to prison, Banks said.
Malott lifted his shirt and displayed a pistol before chasing the driver to his vehicle, Banks and police officials said.
Banks said Malott began yelling and hit the driver’s car with his hands.
The victim put his car into reverse and Malott reportedly began running after the car.
Malott fired seven rounds at the vehicle, Banks said. Nobody was struck by the gunfire.
The incident was captured on video surveillance. Malott’s girlfriend said she did not see the shooting but heard the shots, Banks said.
Malott retreated into his apartment and was initially uncooperative with responding officers, police officials said.
A callout was made for additional police officers from surrounding police agencies to assist.
The Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Services Team (NIPAS EST) was also requested to assist.
The immediate area was blocked off for several hours, including a portion of Main Street.
Malott eventually surrendered following a standoff and was taken into custody just before 3 a.m. Sunday.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Malott’s apartment and two weapons were recovered.
Seven spent shell casings were also recovered from the parking lot of the apartment complex, police officials said.
Malott, a convicted felon, was charged with one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony, and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, a Class 3 felony.
Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow said he is grateful for the assistance of NIPAS and other neighboring law enforcement agencies to bring a peaceful resolution to the dangerous situation.
“Having the resources and collaboration of our partner agencies, including the NIPAS swat team, is critical in bringing peaceful resolutions to situations like this,” Guttschow said.
“Our department is grateful for the dedication of the officers who comprise the NIPAS organization, and the members of the neighboring police departments who responded quickly and worked diligently to keep our community safe,” he added.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Malott, calling him a real and present threat to the safety of the community.
Malott was transported to First Appearance Court on Tuesday morning.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak found probable cause to hold Malott and remanded him to the Lake County Jail pending a detention hearing, which was set for Wednesday afternoon.
“Please your honor, I’m not a violent person. I’m a family man. Let me prove it to you,” Malott said as he began sobbing. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” he added before being escorted out.
During the detention hearing, Potkonjak granted prosecutors’ petition to detain Malott pending trial.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 31.