UPDATE: Logan County man accused of trying to shoot man in Normal, but handgun didn’t fire

Posted on December 21, 2017

*Walter Sweeney, 31, of Latham, is being held on $500,000 bail on charges including attempted aggravated discharge of a firearm. (McLean County Jail photo)*

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A McLean County judge set bond at $500,000 for a Logan County man who allegedly tried to shoot someone in north Normal, but the handgun didn’t fire.

Prosecutors filed felony charges, including attempted aggravated discharge of a firearm, against Walter Sweeney, 31, of Latham.

Sweeney has to post $50,000, which is ten percent of the bond, to be released from jail.

Authorities say Sweeney was armed with the loaded gun and a hammer when he confronted the man Wednesday morning in the 1700 block of Fredrick Lane.

After an argument, police said Sweeney damaged the victim’s vehicle, pointed the handgun at him, pulled the trigger, but it didn’t go off.

McLean County State’s Attorney Jason Chambers said authorities don’t know why the gun didn’t discharge, nor would he comment on a motive.

Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner said the victim went to the police department’s substation on Orlando Ave. in Normal to notify authorities.

Working with State Police, Normal officers said they located Sweeney driving his car nearby in the 1500 block of N. Main St. in Normal.

Sweeney faces up to seven years in prison if he’s convicted.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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