Lockport, Illinois – An Illinois man has been arrested and charged with a hate crime after allegedly shooting his neighbor multiple times in what authorities believe was a racially motivated attack. The victim, a 45-year-old woman named Melissa Robertson, was critically injured but is now recovering after undergoing surgery, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday evening in Lockport Township when deputies responded to reports of shots fired. Witnesses identified the shooter as John P. Shadbar, 70, who allegedly fired multiple rounds at Robertson from different locations outside his property with a rifle. The shooting was captured on security cameras in the area, leading authorities to believe it was racially motivated.
Robertson’s family revealed that they had been harassed by Shadbar for years, with instances of racial slurs and threatening behavior, including firing his gun in the yard and tossing fireworks near their home. One of Robertson’s sons, Mikeal Johnson, recounted an incident where Shadbar directed racial slurs at him and held a gun in his underwear, prompting his mother to confront the neighbor.
Following the shooting, Shadbar barricaded himself inside his residence, but after negotiations with a crisis negotiator, he surrendered and was taken into custody. He is facing several felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery, felony possession of a firearm, and a hate crime, with additional charges likely to follow.
The family revealed that they had contacted authorities numerous times about the harassment but no action was taken. They expressed deep frustration over the lack of intervention, emphasizing the impact the incident had on all those involved. Johnson emphasized that the situation did not need to escalate to this level, affecting not only their lives but also those of Shadbar, his wife, and other neighbors.
Shadbar appeared in court and was denied pretrial release, as the legal process continues in this case that has shaken the community of Lockport. The Will County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the incident, working to ensure justice for the victim and hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.