States Attorney
VILLA PARK MAN CHARGED WITH SHOOTING AT POLICE OFFICER
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett and Villa Park Chief of Police John Payne announced today that Genaro Villanueva, 28 (d.o.b. 12/02/1977) of Villa Park has been charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm for allegedly firing a gun at a Villa Park police officer responding to possible gang activity last Saturday.
At approximately 9:45 p.m., October 28, Villa Park Police responded to a citizen complaint regarding alleged gang activity in the area of 528 W. Division in Villa Park. Once on the scene, officers from the Villa Park Tactical Unit encountered four men. When the officers approached the group, one of the men, later identified as Villanueva, allegedly began to run. Officer James Krupiczowicz allegedly chased Villanueva into a gangway on Division. During the chase, Officer Krupiczowicz and others on the scene heard a gunshot and smelled gunpowder. Officers from DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, Lombard, Elmhurst, Addison and Warrenville Police Departments and K-9 Units canvassed the area for evidence and through their cooperative efforts were able to locate Villanueva on October 29 when he was arrested on two unrelated outstanding warrants.
“If it is proven that Mr. Villanueva did shoot at Officer Krupiczowicz, then he committed an incredibly stupid act,” commented Birkett. “With the recent shootings at police officers, it is imperative that we send the message that if you foolishly decide to shoot at a police officer, you will pay by spending a substantial amount of time behind bars.”
Birkett and Payne went on to praise the law enforcement agencies as well as local residents involved in the investigation. “I would like to thank all of the agencies involved in the apprehension of Mr. Villanueva,” commented Birkett. “Their quick response and teamwork allowed us to get Mr. Villanueva off the streets before he could cause any harm. I would also like to thank the civilians who alerted law enforcement to the situation and other civilians who helped in the collection of evidence. Without their help, Mr. Villanueva would still be a fugitive from justice instead of where he is now, in the DuPage County Jail awaiting the consequences of his alleged actions.”
Villanueva is scheduled to appear in Bond Court this afternoon. If found guilty, Villanueva faces between 10 to 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
“I would like to thank not only the local police departments that assisted in this case but also the State’s Attorney’s Office,” remarked Chief Payne. “Because of their help and guidance, we were able to build a much stronger case against Mr. Villanueva.”
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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