Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Shooting Victim with “Less-Lethal” Pellet Gun
A man is facing attempted murder charges after shooting one of his narcotics customers with a “less-lethal” pellet gun, resulting in the victim being paralyzed and in critical condition on a ventilator, according to prosecutors.
On May 27, a 50-year-old victim and a witness approached Roy Armond, 48, to purchase narcotics at the tent where Armond resides in the 6300 block of South Damen, as per prosecutors.
Armond informed them that he did not have any drugs available and then proceeded to strike the 50-year-old in the head with a Byrna self-defense gun, a pellet gun marketed as a “less-lethal protection,” which can be bought without a license.
Following the assault, Armond allegedly fired a single pellet, striking the victim in the right abdomen. He also reportedly threatened both men, warning them not to involve the police, according to prosecutors.
The victim sought medical attention at a hospital, where staff contacted the Chicago Police Department.
Prosecutors revealed that the victim is now paralyzed from the waist down and has suffered a detached kidney. He underwent emergency surgery on May 28 but his survival remains uncertain. Currently, he is reliant on a ventilator and unable to communicate verbally.
Chicago police apprehended Armond at his tent a few hours after the incident and found the Byrna gun on a table inside the tent along with two pellets nearby.
Judge Luciano Panici Jr. ordered Armond to be detained on charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
