Joliet man charged in restaurant shooting

A Joliet man faces a murder charge in a restaurant shooting that left a 29-year-old man dead.

Authorities allege 31-year-old Christopher L. Thompson opened fire in Louis Family Restaurant Saturday. Police say Gerardo Franchini was sitting with his family when the shooting happened around 9:30 a.m. The Will County coroner’s office later pronounced him dead.

The Southtown Star reported police arrested Thompson. Joliet police say he faces murder, unlawful use of weapon and a drug charge. Thompson doesn’t have a listed number. It was unclear if he had an attorney.

Online records show he was booked into Will County jail late Saturday.

Restaurant owner Louis Polimenakos says the victim and gunman were sitting separately but began arguing. He says one left and returned with a gun.