WEST ENGLEWOOD — A 48-year-old man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting a customer with a pellet gun during a drug dispute in West Englewood, leaving the victim paralyzed and fighting for his life.
The incident occurred on May 27 in the 6300 block of South Damen, where prosecutors say the victim and a witness approached Roy Armond at his tent residence, reportedly to purchase narcotics. The exchange quickly turned violent.
Confrontation Turns Violent
According to Cook County prosecutors, Armond told the men he had no drugs available, then struck the 50-year-old victim in the head with a Byrna self-defense gun — a commercially available pellet launcher marketed as “less-lethal protection.”
After the initial blow, Armond allegedly fired a single pellet into the victim’s right abdomen before threatening both men not to involve law enforcement. The witness later took the victim to a nearby hospital, where medical staff contacted Chicago police.
Victim’s Condition Critical
Hospital staff reported that the victim suffered severe internal damage, including paralysis in both legs and a detached kidney. He underwent emergency surgery on May 28. As of last week, doctors say he remains on a ventilator and is unable to speak.
Prosecutors emphasized that the shooting, although involving a pellet gun, resulted in life-altering injuries and required extensive medical intervention. The victim’s long-term prognosis remains uncertain.
Police Locate Suspect
Following the hospital’s alert, Chicago Police located Armond later that same day at his tent. Officers recovered the Byrna launcher and two loaded pellet canisters during the arrest.
The tent, located in a grassy area off South Damen Avenue, had allegedly been used as a makeshift living and selling space. Detectives say the area is known for past narcotics complaints.
Charges Filed
Roy Armond has been charged with:
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Attempted first-degree murder
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Aggravated battery causing great bodily harm
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Drug-related charges (pending further investigation)
During his court appearance, Judge Luciano Panici Jr. ordered Armond held without bail. Prosecutors noted the deliberate nature of the attack, the severe injury caused, and the threats made afterward.
Armond remains in custody at Cook County Jail.
Do you believe enough is being done to address makeshift drug dealing setups in Chicago neighborhoods like West Englewood? What kind of community response or intervention do you think could prevent incidents like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
