A violent dispute in Ford Heights escalated to gunfire last month, resulting in a woman being hospitalized and a man now facing a slew of serious charges. Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart disclosed the aftermath of the altercation that occurred on January 12, just before 9 p.m., when sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a shooting at the 1300 block of East Lincoln Highway.
According to a statement from the Cook County Sheriff's Office, Abel Barnes, 41, of University Park, was embroiled in a verbal altercation with the 27-year-old female victim. The confrontation took an ominous turn when Barnes, allegedly threatened the victim before opening fire, shooting her multiple times. The woman was rushed to a local hospital, treated for her injuries, and later discharged.
The investigation led by the Sheriff's Police culminated in the apprehension of Barnes on February 13. He did not resist when taken into custody. Following his arrest, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office slapped Barnes with charges including Attempt First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery/Discharge Firearm, and Aggravated Battery/Great Bodily Harm.
Barnes was brought before the bench today at the Markham Courthouse, where the judge determined he would remain behind bars at the Cook County Jail pending his next court appearance, slated for March 5. While the allegations paint a grim picture of premeditated violence, it is imperative to remember that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
