By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington man has been convicted of attempted murder and eight other charges for a shooting last Thanksgiving weekend that a prosecutor said “only the grace of God” prevented a tragedy.

A McLean County Jury deliberated less than two hours before finding Darvell Williams, 30, guilty of charges including attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.

Authorities said Williams fired eight shots with a handgun at a man who was running from him after an argument about who owned a coat.

One of the bullets went through a glass window at Lowe’s Home Improvement on E. Empire St. Three parked vehicles were struck, as was a moving vehicle with a family of five inside.

No one was hurt, and in a news release, Assistant State’s Attorney Adam Ghrist said it is “only the grace of God that prevented this incident from becoming a tragedy.”

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 5. Because he’s been convicted of firing the gun, he’s eligible for extended penalty of 26-years to 50-years in prison.

Williams’ attorney said during the trial his client did not intend to kill the man.

In the news release, the state’s attorney’s office said several witnesses did not want to cooperate, and had to be arrested to testify at the trial.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]