CHICAGO — A 31-year-old man with a history of gun violence in Rogers Park is facing new felony charges after allegedly firing at an acquaintance in broad daylight — an incident caught on a doorbell camera.
The suspect, Erik Varvodic, is accused of attempting to shoot a 35-year-old man outside an apartment building in the 7000 block of North Wolcott Avenue on the afternoon of February 22. Prosecutors say the two shots missed the victim, and no injuries were reported.
Incident Captured on Video
The confrontation occurred just before 2:30 p.m. as the victim was exiting his building. A masked gunman pointed a firearm and fired two rounds at close range. The shooter then lowered his mask, reportedly revealing his face — and allowing the victim to identify him as Varvodic, someone he had known for eight years.
The entire incident was recorded on the building’s doorbell camera, which later served as a crucial piece of evidence in Varvodic’s arrest and detention.
Judge Orders Detention
During his court appearance, Judge Shauna Boliker ordered Varvodic to remain detained pending trial, calling the attack a “volatile, violent act” that appeared “meant to horribly injure or kill” the victim.
Varvodic is now formally charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm toward an occupied building.
Prior Conviction in 2016
This is not Varvodic’s first brush with gun-related charges. In September 2016, he was arrested in the 1300 block of West Morse Avenue, also in Rogers Park, after police responded to a gunshot and found two women claiming they had just been fired upon.
Officers located Varvodic nearby. As he fled, they allegedly saw a .38 Special handgun slide down the inside of his pants. He was caught and arrested with bullets and a spent casing in his pocket.
Varvodic reportedly admitted to the shooting at that time, saying the women were “messing with” him. He also later asked an officer, “Would it have been worse if I shot at them more than once?”
He ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm toward an occupied vehicle and received 24 months of probation. Court records show he completed probation “unsatisfactorily.”
Charges and Community Impact
With a violent past and now a second shooting charge in the same neighborhood, the case has raised concerns among Rogers Park residents about repeat offenders and gun violence.
Have you witnessed gun violence or unsafe conditions in your Chicago neighborhood?
Share your experience with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com to help bring attention to community safety issues.
