Prosecutors have charged a North Lawndale man with being a felon in possession of a handgun after he was allegedly seen driving away from a shooting scene in Old Town last month. But, police said, detectives are unable to pursue additional charges because the victim refused to cooperate with investigators.
The victim, 42, told police that someone fired shots from a passing vehicle, striking him in the left leg and right foot as he walked on the 1300 block of North Sedgwick at 1:20 a.m. on Oct. 23.
CPD surveillance cameras captured images of a red SUV leaving the scene and patrol officers stopped a Chevy Trailblazer matching the suspect vehicle a short time later on the 700 block of North Ogden.
Police said 30-year-old Germany Garrett was driving the SUV, which officers in the 18th District’s POD camera surveillance room confirmed to be the same car that fled the shooting scene.
Cops ordered everyone out of the SUV and then found a loaded Ruger Mark III handgun under the rear seat, according to Garrett’s arrest report. Police said Garrett “is a documented Black Disciple” street gang member.
Prosecutors charged Garrett with being a felon in possession of a firearm and Judge John Lyke ordered him held without bail. Garrett was convicted of a felony narcotics charge in 2011. He’s due back in court on Nov. 15.
Arresting officers noted in Garrett’s arrest report that the shooting victim did not cooperate with their investigation, which prohibited the pursuit of additional charges.