A Waukegan man has been charged with attempted murder for shooting and seriously wounding an off-duty police officer in Chicago. He is also facing charges for killing a college student in Gurnee.
Llovani Gomez, 35, of Waukegan, was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery by discharge of a firearm.
The charges stem from a shooting and road rage incident that occurred in the 3600 block of North Elston Avenue in Chicago on September 20, 2022.
Police officials said that a 27-year-old woman, who was employed at the time as a Chicago police officer, was shot in the face by Gomez.
The off-duty officer was driving her vehicle when she was involved in a road rage incident with another vehicle. She was seriously wounded in the shooting.
Following the shooting, responding officers viewed video from a nearby business and identified the shooter’s vehicle, police officials said.
Dispatchers broadcast the description, and officers in the area began to look for the vehicle, a black GMC Yukon SUV.
The officers located and began to converge on the suspect vehicle. Two officers approached the vehicle while giving verbal commands.
The person driving the GMC began to flee and struck two police squads.
An officer discharged their firearm and the GMC continued fleeing the scene, police said.
Investigators later identified Gomez as the gunman who shot the off-duty officer, and the charges against him were filed earlier this month.
Gomez was already being held in custody prior to the charges being filed.
In May, the Gurnee Police Department announced they had obtained charges against Gomez in connection with the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man, who was a Southern Illinois University student, that occurred in Gurnee in 2021.
Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman Christopher Covelli said a vehicle arrived at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan around 12:05 a.m. on November 20, 2021.
The driver of the vehicle drove to the hospital to seek medical attention for his passenger, identified as Daniel F. Lobo, 22, of Waukegan, who had been shot.
Covelli said Lobo was pronounced dead upon arrival at the emergency room.
An autopsy showed that Lobo died as a result of a gunshot wound to the back, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
The hospital notified the Gurnee Police Department about the incident and officers learned Lobo had been shot near Waveland Avenue and Grandview Avenue in Gurnee.
The Gurnee police contacted the Lake County Major Crime Task Force to assist them in the investigation.
Covelli previously said that a 22-year-old Waukegan man, who was driving the vehicle in which Lobo had been a passenger, was driving recklessly prior to the shooting.
The man then turned onto Waveland Avenue and began to slow down.
Covelli said that another vehicle pulled up behind him and a suspect began shooting at the two men.
One of the rounds struck Lobo. The driver and Lobo were the only two occupants in the vehicle.
Lobo was six months away from completing a Master’s in Biology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, according to his obituary.
"His life was senselessly cut short in a moment of violence that shocked the community," said Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor.
"We are heartbroken to learn another member of our Saluki family, Daniel Fernando Lobo, has left us too soon. Our thoughts go out to the student’s family and friends as they face Thanksgiving without him," Southern Illinois University Chancellor Austin Lane said in a statement at the time.
"Growing up, he loved sports and was an avid baseball player since the age of 6. He also enjoyed music; oldies and bachata were among his favorites. He was a sweetheart, a dedicated and smart young man. He spent most of his time studying, playing sports, visiting family and friends," his obituary said.
Gomez was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated discharge of a firearm in the incident.
"This marks an important step in pursuing justice for Daniel and his family," said Gurnee Police Chief Brian Smith last month.
"From the moment this tragedy occurred, our department has been committed to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable. The approval of these charges reflects the tireless efforts of our investigators, in close coordination with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office," Smith said.
"While no legal action can ever fully heal the pain of losing a loved one, we hope this development offers some measure of closure and reassurance to Daniel’s family and friends who continue to grieve his loss," the police chief added.
"My beautiful brother was taken from me. My twin. My best friend. Words cannot describe the pain that I feel. You were so close to reaching your dreams. I just want one more second to hold you. I would do anything to bring you back. Watch over us Daniel fly high angel," said Itzel Lobo, Daniel Lobo’s sister, at the time of his death.
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