Deputies: Bullets ‘whizzed’ by two victims’ heads; Rockford felon in custody

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Winnebago County Deputies arrested Luis Lara Jr., 44, after he allegedly shot at two people lighting fireworks.

On July 8, officers were called to the 4300 block of Liberty Drive for reports of gunfire. The victims told authorities that a laser was pointed at their bodies, and they feared someone was aiming a firearm at them.

While leaving the area, the victims heard gunfire “whizzing” by their heads, according to court records.

Officers searched Lara’s residence and found three guns, including a pistol with a laser sight attached.

The suspect told officials he fired one round at the ground and was not shooting at anyone.

Lara has been convicted of multiple felonies, with his most recent being in 2019, electronic court documents show.

He is charged with three counts of possession of a firearm without a FOID, three counts of possession of a weapon by a felon and reckless discharge of a firearm causing people to be endangered.