Joliet Felon Fires Gun After Threatening Suicide, 3 Charges Filed: Prosecutors

JOLIET, IL — A 51-year-old Joliet man who, according to Will County prosecutor, threatened to shoot himself and then fired his gun in the presence of five small children has regained his freedom after Will County Judge Sherri Hale ordered Wayne Richmond's release from custody.

On Friday, Joliet police arrested Richmond, and prosecutors charged him with unlawful possession of a gun by a convicted felon and two counts of reckless discharges of a gun. The shooting incident at Richmond's house happened on Aug. 8.

According to the petition to deny pretrial release, Joliet police were called to the 1300 block of California Avenue for a man attempting suicide with a gun. The defendant's son indicated that his mother called and told him that his father had a gun and for him to call the police. Once the son arrived at the home, he saw Richmond come up the stairs from the basement, and he told his son to "hush," as a smirk came across his face, the court documents say.

Richmond left the house holding what appeared to be a gun wrapped in a red and black pillowcase, according to prosecutors.

The defendant's spouse told Joliet police that she and Richmond had an argument and that prompted Richmond to claim he was going to shoot himself, prosecutors outlined. In fear for her life, the woman ran upstairs when Richmond reached toward a white circular table to retrieve something.

After the woman heard one gunshot, she ran outside and later told Joliet police that five of her minor children were inside during the gunshot. None of the children were hurt, but they heard the gunshot, authorities noted.

As for Richmond, he knew the children were minors and that his wife was present at the home when he discharged the gun, prosecutors indicated. Officers recovered one .38 shell casing and projectile down in the basement.

As for Richmond, he was previously convicted of residential burglary in Cook County, according to the petition.