Teen gets 10 years for Streamwood shooting

Adolfo Perez Arreguin celebrated his 18th birthday Thursday by pleading guilty to a gang-related shooting last year in Streamwood.

In exchange, he got something of a gift: a 10-year prison sentence for aggravated battery with a firearm after Cook County prosecutors dropped attempted murder charges against him. Arreguin, of the 1600 block of Sycamore Avenue in Hanover Park, faced up to 30 years in prison for the Sept. 6, 2009 shooting of Jess T. Outlaw, who was paralyzed as a result.

"I'm sure you didn't expect your 18th birthday to go like this," said Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Fecarotta, adding that Arreguin now has a choice: become a better gang member or become a productive member of society.

Outlaw, now 18, was riding his bike about 10:50 p.m. in the vicinity of Miller and Larsen avenues when he encountered Arreguin riding a bike in the opposite direction, said Assistant State's Attorney Mike Gerber. Arreguin yelled a gang slogan and Outlaw responded, after which Arreguin pulled out a gun and fired, striking Outlaw twice, Gerber said.

Several days later, Arreguin admitted to police that he fired the shots, Gerber said.

The gunshots broke Outlaw's arm and wounded his back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Authorities said Outlaw was also affiliated with a gang, something he and his mother, Yolanda Outlaw, have denied.

The family has since moved out of Streamwood wanting to get a fresh start. Outlaw continues to undergo therapy and was to graduate high school this year. Before graduation, Outlaw was arrested in April in Bartlett on drug-related charges.

Arreguin, who has no criminal background, received credit for 290 days in custody. He must complete 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

• Daily Herald staff writer Ashok Selvam contributed to this report