In the absence of a statutory definition, words in a statute are to be given their ordinary and popularly understood meanings. 148 Ill. 2d at 28. We relied on our supreme court's interpretation of an earlier version of the stalking statute. 167 Ill. 2d at 229. 167 Ill. 2d at 229.
Defendant misapprehends the nature of the assault described in the stalking statute.
Following someone may be innocent enough, as one follows taillights on a dark road. But the crime described in this statute requires the State to plead and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the following was a part of conduct that placed the victim in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery, and so was without lawful justification. In either case, at the end of the State's case in chief, it must have met its burden of proof for assault. Defendant's car followed closely behind Rios three times. Defendant twice pulled his car next to Rios at a red light and shouted at him.