Out of prison one week, man allegedly shot a stranger on the street – then stole a $2,200 jacket the next day – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Chicago – A 64-year-old man walked free from prison on March 2 after serving a sentence for residential burglary. Exactly seven days later, prosecutors say he stepped outside his West Side home and opened fire on a stranger heading to work. The random attack left the 24-year-old victim with gunshot wounds to both legs, and the suspect was back in custody within days.
The Morning Attack on North Avenue
At 6:25 a.m. on March 9, Michael Mateus allegedly emerged from his residence in the 5500 block of West North Avenue. He fired six shots at the passerby, striking him twice in the leg, according to court records. The two men had no prior connection and exchanged no words before the gunfire began.
Surveillance cameras captured the shooting from a distance, though the footage did not clearly show the gunman’s face. Investigators later obtained additional video that showed a man leaving a nearby home three minutes before the shots and returning ten minutes afterward in matching clothing. Mateus’s parole officer identified him from those images.
Quick Arrest the Following Day
Before detectives had fully connected him to the shooting, Mateus was taken into custody at the Nordstrom store on East Grand Avenue in River North. Store security detained him for allegedly stealing a Ghost brand jacket valued at $2,195. The arrest occurred less than 24 hours after the North Avenue incident.
Prosecutors filed two separate felony cases against him. One charges aggravated battery by discharging a firearm. The second alleges aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Both cases stem directly from the March 9 shooting.
Judge Orders Detention
During a court hearing, Judge Anthony Calabrese ordered Mateus held without bond. The judge described the shooting as a “random violent act.” Mateus’s parole was revoked, returning him to the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Officials noted that the victim was simply walking to his job when the attack occurred. No motive has been established beyond the apparent randomness of the encounter.
Back in State Custody
Mateus now faces the new charges while serving the remainder of his original sentence. The rapid sequence of events, from release to alleged violence and theft, has drawn attention from local law enforcement. Prosecutors continue to build the cases using the surveillance evidence and witness statements.
The incidents highlight the challenges of monitoring individuals recently released from prison in Chicago neighborhoods. Court proceedings are scheduled to continue in the coming weeks.
