Shaw Local

News   •   Sports   •   Obituaries   •   eNewspaper   •   Election   •   The Scene   •   175 Years
Kane County Chronicle

2 Aurora men charged with felonies following gunfire; tracked down with ShotSpotter, license readers

Aurora Police Department tracked suspects with license plate reader technology

Pictured left, Roque Parra-Salinas, 31. Pictured right, Vrian Cruz, 27.

Two men from Aurora face several felony charges after gunfire in town led to a police investigation, according to authorities.

Police said they responded to multiple ShotSpotter alerts shortly before 1 a.m. March 26 in the 500 block of East Downer Place and several blocks away in the 100 block of North Union Street.

Police said evidence of gunfire was located at both scenes, and video footage was obtained, according to a release by the Aurora Police Department.

A vehicle matching the description was located around 30 minutes later with the help of license plate reader technology, the release stated.

Police said a 9mm handgun was “observed in plan view and recovered.” A preliminary investigation determined collected spent shell casings were consistent with live ammunition found inside the vehicle.

Four people inside the vehicle were taken into custody without incident, and police said two of the individuals were “identified as responsible for discharging the firearm.”

Roque Parra-Salinas, 31, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated driving under the influence, according to authorities.

Vrian Cruz, 27, is charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, police said.

The charges were authorized by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The other two adult occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody and released without charges.

Police Chief Matt Thomas praised the timely information-sharing and coordinated response.

“Fortunately, no people or property were struck by gunfire in this incident,” Thomas said in the release. “Our officers quickly developed leads with the help of available technology and located those involved, bringing the situation to a safe resolution.”

Police say the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

The police encouraged anyone with information to contact the department’s investigations divisions at 630-256-5500.

Joey Weslo

Joey Weslo

Joey Weslo is a reporter for Shaw Local News Network