Blocked driveway leads to gun charges in North Aurora

A 41-year-old North Aurora man faces possible prison time after firing a gun in the air after a dispute with a neighbor.

Elija E. Sample, of the 100 block of North Lincolnway, was arrested and charged Monday with felony reckless discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm without a Firearm Owners Identification Card, according to police.

North Aurora Police Lt. Scott Buziecki said authorities were called to the 100 block of Lincolnway Drive shortly after 4:52 a.m. Monday.

Sample apparently got into an argument with a male neighbor and pulled a gun. The neighbor walked inside his residence and Sample then fired a single shot in the air, Buziecki said.

“The victim apparently blocked (Sample’s) driveway,” said Buziecki, noting authorities also seized Sample’s .25-caliber semiautomatic handgun.

There were no injuries during the altercation, Buziecki said.

The felony charges against Sample, if convicted, carry a sentence of up to three years in prison, but probation also is an option.

“It’s definitely a rare occurrence in North Aurora. It’s not that often we have people shooting guns around here so we take it very seriously,” Buziecki said.

Sample is due in court on March 17 and is free on bond.