Joliet shooting suspect held on $10 million bail

A 31-year-old man is being held on $10 million bail after authorities say he opened fire inside a busy Joliet restaurant, killing a man in front of diners.

Christopher L. Thompson was arrested after Saturday’s shooting at Louis Family Restaurant. The Herald News reported he’s charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the shooting death of 29-year-old Gerardo Franchini.

Franchini was shot while eating with his wife and two young daughters.

Authorities say the two men began arguing. Thompson left the restaurant, but returned about 20 minutes later with a gun and started shooting.

Authorities haven’t discussed a potential motive.

Speaking in court Monday, Thompson said he was “a victim” and “scared.” He was shot in 2005 in a separate incident.