Elgin youth accused in gang shooting

A 17-year-old Elgin was arrested at noon Sunday and accused of firing a shot from a .22-caliber revolver into a car occupied by three members of a rival street gang, police said Monday.

Jose Melgar of 505 N. Grove Ave., was charged with felony aggravated discharge of a firearm, police said.

If convicted, Melgar could get between four and 15 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Witnesses said the incident appeared to start when street gang signals were exchanged between three occupants of the car and Melgar on the 500 block of North Grove Avenue.

Then he ran into the bedroom of his home, came out carrying the .22-caliber gun and fired a shot at the car, police said.

Police said no one was hit by the bullet and Melgar ran off into an open field where he was arrested.

Police said they recovered the gun with one spent round of ammunition.

Melgar held his head in his hands Monday as Kane County Judge Susan Clancy Boles announced his $15,000 bond. He was unable to post bond and was taken to the Kane County jail where he will await his Aug. 9 court date at the Kane County Judicial Center.