Aurora Man Found Guilty Of Shooting Acquaintance In Face

AURORA, IL — An Aurora man is awaiting his prison sentence for shooting an acquaintance in the face during an argument. John W. Sperry, 56, of the 300 block of Grant Place, was found guilty Thursday of aggravated battery with a firearm, plus another two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

Courtroom evidence presented by county assistant state's attorneys said Sperry drove to the victim's house in the 300 block of Jackson Street early March of 2017. He saw the victim in the driveway, who walked to the passenger side of Sperry's 1988 Cadillac, and the two began to argue. The press release said Sperry pulled out a .38 caliber handgun and fired at the victim once. The shot hit him in the cheek and exited from the back of his head. The victim continues to recover from his injury.

Sperry drove away, but was spotted shortly after by police. He was in his car a couple miles away from the scene when police signaled for him to stop. Sperry refused and led officers on a 14-minute chase through Aurora’s east and northeast sides, ignoring multiple traffic lights and signals, and at times, exceeding 70 mph. Police took Sperry into custody after his car struck a utility pole at Claim Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Sperry's next court appearance will be Feb. 7 at the Kane County Judicial Center to set a date to hear motions, and another for sentencing. He faces a minimum sentence of 6 years in prison at the Illinois Department of Corrections. For now, Sperry remains in custody at the Kane County jail.

Image via Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office