Wheaton police have charged a man after a gun discharged at Wheaton Yard on Tuesday, Oct. 27, injuring a patron.
The man faces a reckless conduct charge and a violation of the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act, according to Patch, which first reported the charges. Police told Patch the gun fell from the man's clothing and fired on the 100 block of East Front Street around 9:07 p.m. The man held a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License, police said.
A nearby patron was hit in the thigh. Wheaton police said the injury was not life-threatening, and the patron was treated at a hospital and released.
As we reported Oct. 28, Wheaton Yard described the weapon as an antique firearm worn as part of a Halloween costume. The venue, which comprises Front Street Kitchen and The Backyard, posted a Facebook statement saying "no one was hurt in the incident."
Wheaton police, however, confirmed the thigh injury to Patch.
The department did not release the man's name. Patch reported it has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for additional details.
In its Facebook statement, Wheaton Yard wrote that the Wheaton Police Department "responded promptly and investigated the situation thoroughly with help from Wheaton Yard's security cameras." The venue added that firearms are "strictly prohibited at Wheaton Yard, and signage is posted accordingly at the entrance of the property."
Patch reported it is awaiting a response to its FOIA request, including the man's name.
