Aurora Juvenile Charged in Thornton's Gas Station Shooting

AURORA, IL—An Aurora teen, accused of firing at a vehicle more than a dozen times in a busy gas station parking lot, has been charged with 19 felonies

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Aurora Chief of Police Kristen Ziman announced Wednesday that the 17-year-old suspect has been ordered to remain in custody until at least his next court appearance, scheduled for May 20.

The juvenile has been charged with sixteen counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a gang member, one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a minor, and one count of unlawful use of a firearm.

Police said that at 3:45 p.m. on February 21, 2021, officers were called to the Thornton’s Gas Station, 2800 Ogden Ave., for a report of shots fired.

Officers learned that prior to their arrival an individual, later identified as the juvenile in custody, got out of the passenger seat of a vehicle parked in front of the store and began firing toward a vehicle parked at a gas pump.

According to police, the victim’s vehicle was struck by gunfire six times.

Following the shooting, police said the gunman got back into the waiting vehicle and fled, firing even more shots at the victim’s vehicle before leaving the scene.

Police said a total of sixteen 9mm cartridge cases were recovered from the gas station parking lot.

“It is alleged that in the middle of a Sunday afternoon, the defendant is this case opened fire at a crowded gas station, firing his weapon sixteen times before fleeing the scene,” Berlin said. “This complete disregard for public safety will not be tolerated."

An investigation into the shooting led detectives to look at the juvenile as a suspect, they said. On May 6, 2021, the juvenile was arrested and taken into custody in Kane County on unrelated charges. Additional charges, related to the shooting, were announced on Wednesday.

“The Aurora Police Department has no tolerance for anyone illegally shooting firearms, especially into a crowded area,” Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said. “Our detectives worked tirelessly on this case and we thank the community for stepping up to give us key information and evidence to bring charges in this shooting.”

The juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 20, 2021, in front of Judge Coco.