Elgin man who shot wife gets probation

An Elgin man who shot his wife in the leg, saying he mistook her for a intruder, pleaded guilty Friday to reckless discharge of a firearm and was put on 24 months probation.

Torrance G. Clark, 39, of the 200 block of Elm Street, was sentenced in a negotiated plea deal accepted by Kane County Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon. Charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery were dismissed but could be reinstated if Clark violates his probation.

Police were called to Clark's home early March 14 after he shot the 42-year-old woman with a 9 mm handgun as she got into bed with him, according to police reports.

Authorities said she had become upset with Clark because he was playing video games at 3 a.m. She left their home and returned about two hours later. Clark's attorney said his client thought she was an intruder.

A 5-year-old girl who was home at the time of the shooting was not injured, police said, and Clark had a valid firearm owner's identification card. He had no previous criminal history.