Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 | View in browser
Evanston Police Charge Gurnee Man in February 12 Shooting
 EVANSTON, IL - On February 12, 2023, at approximately 4:10 p.m. the Evanston Police Department responded to the area of Ashland Avenue and Payne Street for a shooting. The initial investigation revealed the victim, a 39 year-old male resident of Wheeling, was standing in the parking lot of the Evanston Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses when he was approached by the offender, Alex Gorobets. Gorobets then produced a firearm and fired two rounds at the victim. The victim blocked one round by holding up a bag containing an iPad. It is believed the second round struck the pavement.
The victim and the victim's brother were able to subdue the suspect and Gorobets was disarmed. Gorobets was then restrained by the victim and the victim's brother until police arrived. Responding officers secured the scene. Other than a minor injury to the victim's left thumb, no one else was injured in this incident. It appears the thumb injury was a graze wound from the bullet that struck the iPad.
The Evanston Police Detective Bureau continued to investigate. The investigation included an interview of Gorobets. Gorobets admitted to attempting the shoot the victim. The stated motive was Gorobets believes the victim stole a large sum of money from him three years ago. The victim denies this allegation.
Detectives interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage. The cooperation of the witnesses and of the Evanston Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses was of great value to detectives completing their investigation.
Detectives reviewed the investigation with the Cook County State's Attorneys Office. The State's Attorney approved felony charges for attempted murder and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Click here for a picture of the gun.
The Evanston Police initially reported that the victim was transported to an area hospital. The victim received treatment from Evanston Fire Services on scene but was not transported to an area hospital.
Offender
Gorobets, Alex male 66 years-of-age
100 block of Minthaven Ct. Gurnee, IL
Charges
1 felony count of Attempted First Degree Murder
1 felony count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Court Information
Gorobets is being held without bond. The next court date is February 28, at Skokie Courthouse.
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Media Relations: Commander Ryan Glew rglew@cityofevanston.org Phone: 847-866-5026
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