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Wheeling man charged in shooting

Wheeling police have arrested a man in connection with a shooting that occurred two weeks ago.

Joe Ybarra, 21, of the 800 block of Valley Stream Drive in Wheeling, was charged Thursday with aggravated discharge of a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm, police said.

Police said the shooting on March 25 was gang-related. According to the witnesses and the intended victims, Ybarra fired a 9 mm handgun three to four times toward five rival gang members, police said.

The other gang members had reportedly taunted Ybarra, police said.

The original police report said Ybarra, driving a Pontiac Bonneville with gold wheels, rolled down the driver's-side window and flashed a gang signs before shooting at the teenagers.

Nobody was hurt in the March shooting, but some neighbors were alarmed at what was a seemingly random incident at Elmhurst and McHenry roads.

Police said the gun used in the shooting was also recovered.

Ybarra was at the Rolling Meadows courthouse Thursday for a hearing. His bond was set at $300,000, and his next court date is 9 a.m. May 6.

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