Man shoots himself in McHenry park during fight
A 32-year-old California man is in custody after police say he shot himself in the shoulder while beating up a victim in a popular McHenry park Wednesday afternoon.
The park was shut down for several hours after Armando J. Esqueda shot himself during the scuffle in the midst of a number of park patrons, said McHenry Police Deputy Chief Dan Kreassig.
Esqueda, who lives in Fresno, Calif., fled the scene after beating the victim and took himself to Northern Illinois Medical Center to be treated for the gunshot wound, according to police.
He was arrested upon his release Wednesday night and charged with armed violence, aggravated battery and obstruction of justice. The charges carry a combined sentence of between 10 and 40 years if convicted.
The victim was also treated at Northern Illinois Medical Center for superficial injuries to his elbow and was released, Kreassig said.
“It is unknown what their relationship was, if any,” Kreassig said. “Unknown how long he has been in the area.”
Police said there was no indication that the scuffle was gang-related or anything other than an altercation.
Esqueda is being held at the McHenry County jail and is due in bond court Thursday.