Two Park Ridge men, Paul J. Zawojski, 29, and Chase Parthe, 31, were arrested after allegedly causing multiple hit-and-run crashes in Lake County on Saturday. One of the crashes left a 9-year-old boy seriously injured, and during their escape, one of the men allegedly fired a gun.
Details of the Incident
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Zawojski and Parthe were involved in two hit-and-run crashes:
First crash: O’Plaine Road & Route 120 in Waukegan
Second crash: O’Plaine Road & Route 137 in Green Oaks (where the child was injured)
As they fled the scene, the suspects forced another vehicle off the road, and a passenger in their truck fired two shots.
Authorities later found a 9mm pistol and narcotics in the suspects’ vehicle.
Arrest and Charges
A regional alert was issued, and a Highland Park police officer located the vehicle near Route 41 and Deerfield Road, leading to the suspects’ arrest.
Chase Parthe faces multiple charges, including:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute
Paul Zawojski is charged with:
Unlawful Possession of Cocaine
Open Alcohol Transportation
Traffic Violations