Man held on $500,000 bond in death of Northwest Side woman

A Chicago man with four prior felony convictions and a suspended driver’s license was ordered held on $500,000 bond Monday, charged in the death of a Northwest Side woman killed when the man’s car slammed into hers.

Prosecutors said James Brown, 34, was drunk when he shot a man who he had been arguing with late Saturday night, July 13, in the 100 block of S. Springfield. Police nearby heard the shots fired, and saw Brown leaving the scene at a high rate of speed. As they were pursuing him, Brown allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Pulaski Road and Chicago Avenue, hitting Marisol Mercado’s car. She died from injuries suffered in the accident.

Prosecutors said Brown was arguing with the first victim when he left and returned a short time later with a gun. He shot several times in the direction of the victim, hitting him twice in the leg, Cook County State’s Attorney spokesperson Tandra Simonton said.

The two Chicago police officers who pursued Brown saw him run several red lights, and saw him drop a gun out his driver’s side window, she said. He allegedly ran another red light at Pulaski and Chicago, striking a sports utility vehicle, as well as Mercado’s Saturn. The driver of the sports utility vehicle suffered a broken collarbone, and Mercado suffered multiple injuries. Police also recovered a .380 caliber, semi-automatic handgun from the route of the pursuit, Simonton said.

Brown has felony convictions dating back to 1998; twice for possession of a controlled substance, once for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and burglary, and once for possession of a firearm, Simonton said. He was taken to John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County after the accident, and his blood showed a Blood Alcohol Content level of .190, more than twice the legal limit, she said.

He is charged with felony murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol causing great bodily harm. Judge Laura S. Sullivan ordered him held on $500,000 bond.

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