Police: Argument between truck drivers ends with gun shots, attempted murder charge

A 57-year-old Ohio man has been charged with attempted murder after authorities said he got into an argument with another trucker on Saturday at a Hampshire truck stop, shot at him, and then tried to kill himself.

William M. Lutz, of the 200 block of Kleen Avenue, Dayton, also faces charges of aggravated battery/discharge a firearm, armed violence, two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at another person or vehicle, criminal damage to property and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, according to Kane County court records.

Hampshire police said they responded at 6:50 p.m. Saturday for a call of shots fired at the TravelCenters of America truck stop, 19N430 Route 20.

After speaking with witnesses, police learned two truck drivers got into an argument and one driver pulled out a gun and began firing at the other driver.

Kane County prosecutors said Lutz drove off and parked on the side of the road at Route 47 and Interstate 90 and swallowed 30 pills in an apparent attempt to kill himself.

A sheriff's SWAT team was called in and arrested Lutz, police said.

Hampshire Police Chief Brian Thompson said Lutz surrendered after about an hour and authorities recovered two handguns from his truck.

The other trucker, a man from Pennsylvania, suffered a graze wound on his left buttocks, according to court records. He was treated at the scene and released, Thompson said.

Lutz was taken to Centegra Hospital-Huntley for observation and then to the Kane County jail, Thompson said.

Lutz faces a penalty of six to 30 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder, plus an additional 15 years because a gun was used.

Lutz's bail amount was set at $750,000 Tuesday, meaning he must post $75,000 to be released from the Kane County jail while the case is pending. He is next due in court June 20. If Lutz posts bond, he is to have no contact with the victim and take all prescribed medications, according to court records.