Police: Batavia man waved gun at another driver near Wauconda

A Batavia man was charged with three misdemeanor counts after he was accused of waving a pistol at another driver during a road rage encounter Monday morning by Route 176 and Fairfield Road near Wauconda.

Anthony J. Delorto, 37, faces single counts of unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated assault and disorderly conduct, according to court records.

Speaking to the Daily Herald Monday night, Delorto said he did not grab his gun during the encounter.

Lake County sheriff's officials said another driver called 911 to report that a man had waved a gun at him after not allowing him to merge as the two drove east on Route 176. The 911 caller saw the vehicle's license plate number and followed at a safe distance while providing updates to dispatchers, sheriff's Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said.

Mundelein police found Delorto at a business on the 28700 block of North Route 83 near Mundelein, and sheriff's deputies arrested him. The sheriff's office said a pistol was found in his vehicle.

Delorto said that while he had his gun in his car, he did not point it at the man or even hold it during the encounter.

Delorto said he will prove to the police and the state's attorney's office that the other driver is lying and escalated the situation and will persuade authorities to drop the charges.

"It was very scary, and now I look like a monster online for being close to protecting myself if I had to," Delorto said.

Delorto was released from jail Monday on a recognizance bond, which does not require suspects to post money, and is due back in court on March 28.