Palatine man gets 10 years for firing weapon in Arlington Heights

A 35-year-old Palatine man charged with firing a weapon outside an Arlington Heights apartment building last year pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm and to being an armed habitual criminal — a combination that led to a 10-year prison sentence.

Dirk Hugo’s criminal background — including convictions for unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, delivery of cannabis, aggravated battery and other crimes — resulted in him being charged as a habitual criminal, which is punishable by six to 30 years in prison. A Cook County judge sentenced Hugo last week.

A man reported hearing a gunshot outside his home the evening of Feb. 7, 2011, said prosecutors during Hugo’s bail hearing last year. The man, who dated Hugo’s ex-girlfriend, noticed a truck he knew to be Hugo’s leaving the area. Several days later, police tried to stop Hugo while he was driving the truck. He refused and led police on a chase to his parents’ home, where he was apprehended, authorities said.

Hugo received credit for the 363 days he has spent in custody since his arrest. He must complete at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.