No prison for teen who pointed BB gun at reluctant drug buyer

A 19-year-old Carpentersville man avoided a possible prison term Monday, and instead was placed on one year of nonreporting probation, after admitting he pointed a BB gun last year at a would be drug buyer who didn't like the quality of his product.

Simon P. Trice, of the 100 block of Toro Circle, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault as part of a plea deal in which McHenry County prosecutors dismissed a felony charge of attempted robbery stemming from the same incident.

Under the deal, Trice also must pay a $500 fine and avoid contact with the victim.

Authorities said Trice met the victim in he parking lot of a Lake in the Hills restaurant Oct. 23 for a marijuana sale. But when the victim refused to buy, claiming the drugs were of poor quality, authorities say, Trice pulled out a BB gun that looked like the real thing and demanded completion of the sale.

The victim again refused and walked away unharmed, authorities said.

Trice attorney Henry Sugden said his client was dealing with psychological issues back in October and has since taken steps to address those problems.

"The state did the right thing," he said. "He's gotten treatment, hasn't been in any more trouble and has done everything the state asked him to do, so a misdemeanor is appropriate."

Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Jeffrey Bora said in court there were problems bringing the victim to court to testify had the case gone to trial Monday as scheduled.

"The victim no longer lives in the state and after speaking with his family it was determined it would not be in his best interests to bring him back for a trial," Bora said.