CHICAGO — A late-night encounter at a suburban McDonald’s drive-thru escalated into a frightening incident as a Chicago man allegedly fired a gun at a car full of teenagers before fleeing police, according to authorities.
The incident unfolded around 1 a.m. on July 25 at the McDonald’s located at 13 West Rand Road in Mount Prospect, where 38-year-old Bashkim Rockwell reportedly approached a vehicle with four teens inside, attempting to engage them in conversation from his sedan.
Gun Fired at Teens in Drive-Thru
The verbal exchange took a dangerous turn when Rockwell allegedly pointed a firearm at the teens’ vehicle and fired a single shot, as detailed in a 911 call made by the group.
The teenagers’ Honda Pilot was later found to have damage to its front bumper, consistent with a bullet impact. Mount Prospect Police located a shell casing and additional evidence near the drive-thru, confirming a gun had been discharged.
This incident was first reported by FOX 32 Chicago and later expanded on by NBC Chicago, which noted that no injuries were reported.
Police Pursuit and Arrest
Shortly after the gunshot, an officer spotted a vehicle matching the description given by the teens. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the suspect’s sedan fled, running red lights and speeding through traffic. For safety reasons, police ended the chase and tracked down Rockwell days later.
Rockwell was arrested on July 31 and has since been charged with:
- Aggravated discharge of a firearm (felony)
- Two felony counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding
- Misdemeanor fleeing and eluding
- Speeding 35 mph+ over the limit
At a detention hearing on August 2, the judge ordered Rockwell to remain in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 29 at the Rolling Meadows courthouse.
Teen Victims Cooperated Fully
The four teenagers were unharmed but visibly shaken, according to investigators. Their quick response via 911 helped authorities gather accurate descriptions and locate shell casings swiftly.
The incident has raised concerns about late-night safety at suburban businesses and the escalating gun-related confrontations in the greater Chicago area.
Have you ever witnessed unsafe behavior at a local drive-thru or fast food restaurant? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
