Man shot ambulance with 79-year-old patient inside because it would not get out of the way: police

CHICAGO - A River Grove man has been charged after allegedly opening fire on an ambulance with a 79-year-old patient inside that was blocking his way in the Logan Square neighborhood Wednesday night.

Ricardo Vazquez, 39, got out of his car around 9:32 p.m. in the 2600 block of North Hamlin Avenue and yelled for an ambulance in front of him to move out of his way, according to police.

"He bangs on the [ambulance] window and can't get in, starts yelling at the neighbor back and forth. [He] gets in his car, reverses and starts shooting maybe six times," said a witness who did not want to be identified.

Vazquez fired several shots into the rear doors of the ambulance before speeding away, police said. No one was struck by the gunfire or injured.

Minutes later, officers pulled over a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's vehicle and took him into custody. A loaded handgun and at least two spent shell casings were found inside the car, police said.

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The paramedics did not realize the ambulance had "multiple bullet holes" in the back doors until they finished their medical run at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Vazquez, who does not have a valid firearm owner identification card or concealed carry license, was on parole for an aggravated battery with a firearm conviction, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records.

He's been charged with two felony counts and is due in bond court on Friday.

Area Five detectives are investigating.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.