Zion man accused of firing gun during gang fight

A registered gang member from Zion has been charged with firing a weapon during a fight between rival gangs, authorities said Wednesday.

Eric Bickwermert, 27, of the 1500 block of Lorelei Drive, has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a street gang member, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon without a firearm owner identification card, and reckless discharge of a firearm, authorities said.

Bickwermert remains held in Lake County jail on $75,000 bail.

Authorities said police were called to the 9800 block of West Oak Drive in Beach Park on Jan. 30, at 2:45 a.m. for a fight in progress and shots fired.

When sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, multiple people involved the fight ran from the area, authorities said. Officers determined the fight was between two rival gangs, and the shots were fired just before police arrived.

The individual responsible for firing the gun was not at the scene when sheriff's deputies arrived, authorities said.

Officers with the Lake County Sheriff's Gang Task Force began an investigation, authorities said, and determined Bickwermert was responsible for firing the gun. He was charged Feb. 2.

Bickwermert is due in court Feb. 10.