Arrest in Carpentersville robbery where man shot through leg

A 45-year-old man is held on $500,000 bail on charges he shot a Chicago man through his leg while robbing him of $60 last week at a Carpentersville apartment complex.

George M. Pickett, of the 0-99 block of Oakcrest Drive, is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, three counts of armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon, all of which are felonies, according to Kane County court records.

If convicted of the most severe charge, Pickett faces a minimum of 26 years in prison.

Aggravated battery with a firearm is punishable by six to 30 years in prison. If a jury or judge determines Pickett personally discharged a firearm in the robbery, that adds another 20 years to the sentence, according to state law.

Carpentersville Police Chief Michael Kilbourne said officers were called about 2 a.m. Dec. 30 to the 0-99 block of Oxford Lane for a report of man who had been shot once through the leg.

"(The bullet) went through one leg and it buried itself into the other leg," Kilbourne said.

The 38-year-old victim was taken to a hospital, treated and released that day, Kilbourne said. The victim's statements, along with information from witnesses, led authorities to Pickett, who was arrested Friday, Jan. 4, Kilbourne said.

Pickett's bail was set Saturday at $500,000, meaning he must post $50,000 to be released from the Kane County jail while the case is pending. If he does post bail, he is to have no contact with the victim.

Kilbourne said authorities are not seeking anyone else in the robbery.

Pickett is next due in court Friday.