A security guard with no license to carry a firearm is accused of gunning down a man outside a South Loop smoke shop on Friday night, then planting the weapon in the victim’s hand and claiming they had fought for control of it.
Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara laid out the allegations Monday in a detention hearing for the accused man, 33-year-old Souleymane Diallo.
Prosecutors said the 31-year-old victim went to a smoke shop in the 1300 block of South Michigan Avenue where Diallo was working as a security guard on Friday night.
The victim got into an argument with an employee about trading cannabis for a rolling tray and Diallo stepped in, told him to leave, and then argued with him on the sidewalk for over ten minutes, Pekara alleged. The exchange grew heated, with insults flying but no weapons shown and no immediate threats, according to surveillance video described in court.
Diallo went back inside around 9:25 p.m., took off his coat, and told the employee he was going to fight the victim. Despite the cashier’s pleas not to, Diallo allegedly stormed back outside, rolling up his sleeves.
When the victim raised his fists defensively, Diallo pressed forward and the victim pushed Diallo to the ground, Pekara said.
Diallo allegedly bounced up, pulled out a pistol, and chased the victim down the sidewalk.
At one point, Diallo shoved the victim into a planter before drawing the pistol again and racking a round into the chamber, according to Pekara.
Video from across the street showed the victim backing away while Diallo advanced. After the victim took a swing at Diallo, the guard raised his gun and shot the victim in the face, Pekara alleged.
Then, Pekara said, Diallo bent down, moved the victim’s body, and placed the pistol under the dying man’s hand. When officers arrived, Diallo claimed the victim had grabbed for his weapon.
The victim was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He had been shot once in the cheek, with the bullet exiting through the top of his head.
Diallo, prosecutors said, had no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card, no concealed-carry license, and no credentials to work as an armed security guard. Yet on the night of the shooting, he carried a Glock 19 pistol and wore body armor.
Diallo has a prior conviction for reckless conduct in 2023, a case that was initially charged as aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, according to Pekara.
He is now charged with first-degree murder and aggravated possession of a weapon. Judge Rivanda Doss Beal granted the detention petition.
Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.
