By Kathy Whitaker, The Chicago Times
February 19, 2023
ADDISON, IL – Four Cook County men have been charged in the attempted murder of two people in Addison on February 16.
According to prosecutors, Brandon Pichardo, 23, of the 8800 block of S. Harlem, Bridgeview; Damian Gonzales, 24, of the 4600 block of S. California, Chicago; Irubiel Martinez, 19, of the 4100 block of S. Campbell, Chicago; and Efrain Garcia, 27, of the 2500 block of W. 46th Place, Chicago, have been charged with attempted murder and two counts of aggravated battery. Bond has been set at $2 million for each.
According to Addison police, on February 16, at approximately 12:42 pm, officers responded to a call of “shots fired” on the 500 block of S. Wisconsin. Responding officers found two victims with multiple gunshot wounds in a Jeep SUV parked in the driveway of a residence. Both victims were seated in the front driver’s and passenger’s seats. Both victims were taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Police reports indicate that the victims were seated in the Jeep when four men arrived in a Nissan Altima. It is alleged Gonzalez, Pichardo, and Garcia exited the Nissan and approached the victims’ Jeep. It is further alleged that Gonzalez shot at the victims, striking one of the victims two times and the other eleven times. Police said that following the shooting, all four defendants fled the scene. In the course of an investigation by the Addison Police Department led to the identification and arrest of the four suspects. Pichardo, Gonzales, and Martinez were arrested February 16. Garcia was taken into custody on February 17, 2023.
“The allegations that these men ambushed a parked vehicle and, in a frightening display of violence, opened fire in the middle of the afternoon in a residential neighborhood are outrageous. This alleged complete disregard and disdain for public safety and the rule of law will not stand in DuPage County. Through the truly outstanding work of the Addison Police Department, however, the men suspected in this violent attack have been apprehended, charged and will face an aggressive prosecution. Public safety remains a top priority of not only my office, but of law enforcement throughout the County. The victims’ injuries are very serious and we are all concerned for their well-being. I thank the Hinsdale, Elmhurst and Villa Park Police Departments for their collaborative efforts and assistance in this case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Helen Kapas and Grace Barsanti for their efforts on this case as well.” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin said in a statement.
All four defendants are scheduled to appear for arraignment on March 20, 2023.
The Chicago Times 