Attorney: Joliet man was acting in self-defense in shooting

The case of a Joliet man charged with shooting three people outside a bar is scheduled for a jury trial in March.

Alonzo Gadson, 37, of the 100 block of Edison Road plans to argue the shooting in the parking lot of Eden Bar and Grill on Gardner Street was an act of self-defense, according to court records.

On June 29, Gadson, along with an attorney, turned himself in at the Joliet Police Department after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was jailed and his bond set at $4 million.

Gadson was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, armed violence, possession and use of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

At an Oct. 25 court hearing, Gadson’s attorney, Robert Lewin, told Will County Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak that Gadson was in fear of “receiving great bodily harm” and he was surrounded by five people when he committed the shooting, according to court transcripts.

Will County Assistant State’s Attorney Ashley Kwasneski argued the evidence would show Gadson shot three people, one in the face, another in three areas of his body and a third in the knee.

Kwasneski argued Gadson “was the initial aggressor” and he had two other individuals with him.

She said Gadson was not threatened by the victims.