One person injured after being shot in Zion

One person has been charged with aggravated battery with a firearm after shooting a former roommate in the abdomen during an argument in Zion, authorities said Monday morning.

Kiara Wicks, 21, had a gunshot wound when she was found by police next to a parked car in the 2700 block of Hebron Avenue about 3:53 p.m. Sunday, Zion police officials said.

Authorities said police were tipped off to the shooting by a caller, and checked the area.

During the investigation, police were told by witnesses that Wicks was shot by former roommate Artishai C. Payne, 24, of the 2700 block of Hebron Avenue, after an argument spiraled out of control.

Police said Wicks had recently lived with Payne, but moved out of the apartment a couple of weeks ago. On Sunday, Wicks was asked by Payne to remove some property in the apartment when the argument started, authorities said.

It escalated outside the apartment complex between two buildings, authorities said, and Payne pulled a handgun and fired at Wicks.

The Zion Rescue Squad took Wicks to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. She was eventually taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, authorities said. Wicks underwent extensive surgery and was listed in stable condition Monday morning, authorities said.

While officers were at the crime scene, Payne surrendered to police at the Zion police station, authorities said. She was questioned and confessed to shooting Wicks, police said.

The handgun used in the shooting was also recovered, authorities said.

Payne was charged with aggravated battery of a firearm, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

If convicted of the charges, Payne could spend up to 60 years behind bars, authorities said.

Payne is in Lake County jail on $500,000 bond, of which 10 percent needs to be posted for her release. She is due back in court Nov. 30, authorities said.