Cicero Police charge suspect in brutal racial attack during Floyd protests

The Cicero Police have concluded a 10 week long investigation into the June 1 attack against an African American driver who was impaled by a metal rod during protests organized following the George Floyd killing.

The 25 year old driver from Chicago was in his car when the suspect threw the metal rod through the car’s front window piercing the victim’s shoulder. The driver was taken to Mt. Sinai hospital in serious condition. He has since recovered.

Cicero Police Chief Jerry Chlada said police conducted an extensive investigation and presented evidence to the Cook County State’s Attorney who today finally approved attempted murder charges against Pablo Vazquez, 57, of Cicero.

Cicero Police charge suspect in brutal racial attack during Floyd protests — Suspect Pablo Vasquez charged with attempted murder in racial attack against an African American driver following the George Floyd Protests in Cicero. Photo courtesy of the Cicero Police Department

Superintendent of Police Jerry Chlada, Jr., said, “This was a horrendous, unprovoked attack on an innocent victim. I am very proud to say that due to my Detective’s relentless, hard work, we were able to bring justice to the victim and his family.”

Witnesses on the scene provided a description of the offender who threw the metal crowbar through the windshield, causing the driver to lose control and crash his vehicle, at around 5:26 PM near 4716 South 21st Street.

After an extensive investigation, the Cicero Detective Division was able to identify Pablo Vasquez on July 1, 2020 as the suspect, Chlada said. Charges were awaiting the findings of a Grand Jury and approval by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office which came today.

On July 5, 2020, Cicero police presented their findings to the Cook County State’s Attorney Office who served Grand Jury subpoena for July 28, 2020.

On August 7, 2020, the Cook County State’s Attorney approved one felony count of attempted murder, Weapon,/No Firearm. An arrest warrant was immediately issued for Vazquez’s arrest and he was taken into custody and is being held in Cicero

On August 7, 2020, Vazquez was arrested by Cicero police. Vazquez is currently being held in Cicero lockup awaiting transport to the Cook County 4th District Courthouse (Maywood) where he is expected to be arraigned (at around 9 am) Saturday August 8, 2020.