(Lake County, IL) On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, a Lake County Judge sentenced a man to 49 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Attempt Murder of Police Officers.  

On July 19, 2023, Oscar Martinez, 22, was convicted of three counts of Attempt Murder of a Peace Officer, a class X felony following a three-day jury trial. 

“This offender risked the lives of police officers and members of that community. With this sentence, he will no longer be a threat to others. Once again, I want to thank our outstanding trial team and the brave officers who serve our community every day,” State’s Attorney Rinehart stated after the sentencing hearing.  

On June 2022, North Chicago Police received a report of shots fired. When police arrived at the residence, they located Martinez outside the residence, holding a firearm. After officers ordered Martinez to put the firearm down, Martinez began firing shots at police officers. Martinez then attempted to flee the area, but officers were able to take Martinez into custody shortly after. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the incident. 

During the sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorneys Scott Hoffert and Kevin Berill emphasized the dangerousness of Martinez’s actions to police officers and every person in the apartment complex. Hoffert and Berrill also pointed out that Martinez had the intent to kill as he fired at the officers.  

Martinez was being held at the Lake County Jail awaiting his trial. He received 486 days of time served credit and his sentence is to be served at 85%.