Shooting suspect also charged in Long Grove burglary

A Round Lake Beach man accused of shooting a 21-year-old in the chest Tuesday is also a suspect in an October burglary, in which he was nearly shot by a homeowner, authorities said.

Police say Erik G. Mota, 28, of the 1300 block of North Red Oak Circle, Round Lake Beach, shot a man who was visiting Mota's home about 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Mota is charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, reckless conduct with great bodily harm, possession of more than 100 grams of marijuana, possession of a firearm without Firearm Owners ID card, defacing ID markings on a firearm and aggravated battery with a firearm, according to a news release from Round Lake Beach police Wednesday.

Police went to Mota's home to investigate a shooting Tuesday evening and found a 21-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his chest sitting in a car outside his condo. The man was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center, according to Greater Round Lake Beach Fire Batallion Chief Bill Rohrs Tuesday. His condition was not immediately available.

While searching Mota's home, police found more than 100 grams of marijuana, according to the news release.

His bail has been set at $250,000. He must post $25,000 to be released from the Lake County jail, where he remained Wednesday evening, court records show.

Mota pleaded not guilty Feb. 15 to separate burglary charges stemming from an Oct. 20 attempted burglary on the 3000 block of Country Lane in Long Grove.

The owner of the Country Lane home was sleeping on a basement couch when he heard someone trying to enter through a window, authorities said.

The resident retrieved a semi-automatic pistol and fired at the intruder, later identified by authorities as Mota. Police believe Mota burglarized two vehicles in the home's driveway before trying to break into the residence.

Mota was scheduled for a jury trial Monday. The trial has since been rescheduled.

He is due back in court March 3 on the most recent charges.