Two plead guilty in 2016 assault rifle shooting in Barrington
Two Joliet men accused in a 2016 assault rifle shooting that injured two men on Route 14 in Barrington pleaded guilty to reduced charges in Lake County court Thursday.
Justin L. Crowder, 21, of the 1400 block of Eunice Avenue, and Brandon D. Campbell, 23, of the 400 block of Irving Street, each pleaded guilty to one count of mob action in front of Judge James Booras.
Crowder was sentenced to 180 days in Lake County jail and Crowder received 3 years in prison for their roles in the shooting. Neither was the triggerman, Assistant Lake County State's Attorney Tim Neihus said.
Each will receive day-for-day credit while incarcerated, Neihus said. They have already received 702 days credit for time already served in Lake County jail. Crowder was due to be released from jail, and Campbell will be transferred to prison and released in the coming weeks, Neihus said.
The third defendant, Sherron P. Reed, 22, of the 200 block of Sheridan Street in Joliet, remains in Lake County jail on $1 million bail. Neihus said Reed fired the assault weapon in the early morning hours of April 10, 2016.
Authorities said the three attended a party on the 1400 block of Eunice Avenue in Lake Barrington, then got into a car and were heading home on Route 14 when they were involved in a confrontation with people in another vehicle. Police said the confrontation started after one vehicle swerved across the lane and almost struck the other.
Campbell was driving and lowered the window for Reed, who was seated in the back seat, authorities said. Reed grabbed the assault rifle and fired 10 shots at the second vehicle, while Crowder shouted encouragement from the front passenger seat, according to reports.
Two Joliet-area men were hit by gunfire before their vehicle crashed into a railroad gate near Shorely Drive, authorities said. One victim was shot in the face, and the other was injured by shrapnel from bullets hitting the car. Both survived.
All three suspects were charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Those charges were dropped for Campbell and Crowder in exchange for their plea agreement Thursday.
Reed is due back in court March 22.