Man shot companion in the leg during argument outside Naperville bar: prosecutors

James Barnett booking photo
James Barnett Photo credit DuPage County State's Attorney

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A judge denied bail Friday to a 27-year-old Aurora man accused of shooting an acquaintance in the leg during an argument outside a downtown Naperville bar last weekend.

Naperville police were called to a Jefferson Avenue bar late Saturday for a disturbance. While talking to employees, officers were alerted to gunshots in the back of the building, officials said.

Police found a male with a gunshot wound to his right leg in a parking lot. They learned that three men who had left the bar together were in a vehicle when they began arguing. The trio exited the vehicle, and one of the men, James Barnett, allegedly pulled a gun and shot the victim before fleeing the scene.

Barnett was arrested Thursday and faces several charges, including aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. He was ordered held without bond Friday, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office said.

“Opening fire in downtown Naperville on a Saturday night, as alleged against Mr. Barnett, demonstrates an absolute disregard for public safety and contempt for the rule of law,” State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said.

Officers rendered assistance to the shooting victim, officials said, but no further information was available.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: DuPage County State's Attorney