Woman accused in road rage shooting along I-57 facing felony charges

POSEN, Ill. (WGN) — Felony charges have been filed against a Chicago woman accused in a road rage shooting along an expressway in the south suburbs in late April.

According to Illinois State Police Troopers, 24-year-old Octavia Howleit, a Chicago resident, has been charged with one felony count of aggravated battery with a firearm and one felony count of aggravated discharge of a firearm.

An investigation into the incident began after troopers responded to a report of a gunshot victim at a gas station in the 2700 block of 147th Street in Posen on April 30, 2025.

After authorities arrived on the scene, they found a male victim who had suffered a gunshot wound to his arm.

Authorities said further investigation indicated that Howleit had allegedly opened fire on the victim along the expressway near 127th Street during a road rage incident.

After being hit by gunfire, troopers said the victim navigated to the gas station, where they then contacted authorities.

Officers then provided medical aid to the victim until paramedics arrived and transported him to the hospital.

SkyCam 9 was over the scene following the shooting when several squad cars could be seen surrounding the gas station and caution tape could be spotted in the parking lot. Nearby, along I-57, several squad cars could also be seen along a portion of the roadway.

Troopers said Howleit was identified by ISP special agents as a suspect in the case following an exhaustive investigation.

Authorities eventually took her into custody on Monday and she will remain in custody until her first court appearance.

It remains unclear what led to the shooting and authorities have not provided an update on the victim’s condition.