Jury still in session in shooting case

A DuPage County jury deliberated for nearly five hours late Thursday without deciding whether a man shot at a Villa Park police officer during a foot pursuit.

Genaro Villanueva, 29, is accused of attempted murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm. He maintains his innocence.

Jurors return this morning to continue their deliberations. DuPage Circuit Judge Kathryn Creswell recessed the tired panel at about 10 p.m. Thursday.

The pursuit began after police responded to a resident's complaint at 9:45 p.m. Oct. 27, 2006, of possible gang activity in the area of 528 W. Division St. in Villa Park.

Upon investigation, two officers encountered five men. One man took off running as police approached. Villa Park police officer James Krupiczowicz chased him.

Prosecutors Steven Knight and Joseph Ruggiero said the officer heard a gunshot as he pursued the suspect. They said the officer ran through the smoke and smelled gunpowder. Later, a bullet was recovered from a doorway.

Krupiczowicz was not injured. The suspect was not immediately apprehended. Police from Addison, Elmhurst, Lombard, Warrenville and the sheriff's office with canines assisted in the search for evidence.

Villanueva of Villa Park was arrested the next day. The defendant did not testify during his trial. But his attorney, David Sotomayor, said Villanueva denies shooting at the officer. Police never recovered a gun.

Villanueva has remained in DuPage County jail on a $1 million bond since his arrest last year. He does not have a violent criminal history.