Man pulls gun trigger during confrontation, but nothing comes out – NPD investigating

Posted on December 21, 2017
police car
Normal Police are investigating a confrontation where the suspect pulled a firearm on a victim and pulled the trigger, but the gun didn’t fire. (Photo courtesy DavidsonScott/flickr)

By Patrick Baron

NORMAL – Normal Police are investigating a confrontation that led to a gun nearly being fired during an altercation yesterday morning.

Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner said the suspect, Walter Sweeney, 31, of Latham confronted an unidentified victim in the 1700 block of Fredrick Lane around 8:15 a.m. Following an argument, Sweeney allegedly caused damage to the victim’s vehicle before pulling a handgun on the victim, who was sitting in their car. Witnesses allege Sweeney pulled the trigger of the gun, but for reasons unknown at this time, the gun did not fire. No one was physically injured during the incident.

Bleichner said the victim went to the police substation on Orlando Avenue in Normal, and notified police of the incident. Working with State Police, Normal Police officers located Sweeney driving his car not far from the station and took him into custody for attempted-aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle.

The incident remains under investigation by the Normal Police Department.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

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