Man with 21 Felony Convictions Charged with Attempted Murder in Maxwell Polish Stand Shooting
A man with a lengthy criminal history is facing charges of attempted murder after allegedly shooting a man in a robbery attempt outside a Maxwell Polish stand. Tommie Johnson, 54, who has 21 felony convictions, including 10 for armed robbery, is also accused of committing another armed robbery and threatening a woman with a gun in separate incidents following the April 9 shooting outside Maxwell’s location at 3801 West Harrison.
The Incident
On April 9, at around 3:40 a.m., a 56-year-old man stopped at the restaurant for a late-night snack on his way home from work. As he returned to his car with his order, a woman approached him, asking for money to buy food. Feeling sympathetic, the man gave her a few dollars. Moments later, Johnson reportedly approached the man’s car, brandishing a gun and demanding money. When the victim attempted to drive away, Johnson shot him in the neck, causing the victim to crash into a pole across the street.
Investigation and Arrest
Surveillance videos captured Johnson’s movements before, during, and after the shooting. A Chicago police officer who had arrested Johnson in the past recognized him from the footage. A search of Johnson’s mother’s house yielded clothing matching what he wore on the night of the shooting, including a jacket containing live bullets that matched shell casings found at the crime scene.
Additional Crimes
Following the shooting, Johnson allegedly committed an armed robbery on April 18, stealing a pair of Air Jordans, a phone, and two jackets from a man on the 3400 block of West Carroll. He also reportedly threatened a woman with a gun on April 25, demanding that she buy him drugs in the 2700 block of West Flournoy.
Legal Ramifications
Johnson faces charges of attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, and aggravated battery by discharging a firearm in connection with the April 9 incident. He is also charged with robbery for the Carroll Street incident and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the threat made on Flournoy Street. Prosecutors noted Johnson’s extensive criminal history, including multiple armed robbery convictions dating back to his youth.
Conclusion
With a track record of 21 felony convictions since he turned 18, Tommie Johnson’s latest arrest underscores the need for continued vigilance in dealing with repeat offenders. The swift action of law enforcement in apprehending Johnson serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the consequences of violent criminal behavior.
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