Highland Park boy, 16, charged with fatally shooting teen acquaintance

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the shooting death of another teenager Sunday morning in Highland Park.

Around 11:30 a.m., Highland Park police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2300 block of Green Bay Road.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a victim, later identified as 16-year-old Omar Diaz, of Highwood. He was transported to Highland Park Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to officials.

On Monday, the Lake County Sheriff's Office announced 16-year-old Estiven Sarminento, of Highland Park, was determined to be the gunman in this homicide based on recovered evidence, interviews and video surveillance.

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On Tuesday, a Lake County judge ordered Sarminento held on a $5 million bond.

Estiven Sarminento | Provided

Investigators said Diaz was walking on the sidewalk when he was approached by a male dressed in all black and riding a bicycle. The two had a brief conversation before the suspect pulled out a gun and shot Diaz.

Police initially believed the gunman fled on the bicycle, but an investigation determined he likely fled on foot after the shooting.

A police K-9 attempted to track the suspect's scent, but lost it at a nearby roadway, officials said.

According to the sheriff's office, it appears there was an ongoing dispute between Sarminento and Diaz.

Sarminento next court date is scheduled for Aug. 23.