CARTERVILLE – The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting that happened Saturday at Club 262, also known as Lord of the Wings and Foreign’s Playland, on Samuel Road in Carterville.
According to Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich, when deputies arrived at the business around 3:40 a.m., they discovered that a large crowd was there when gunfire erupted resulting in 30 rounds of multiple caliber weapons being fired striking buildings, four vehicles and a 29-year-old male subject who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance and later transferred by helicopter to a regional trauma center where he is expected to recover.
Sheriff Diederich says there has been an ongoing problem at this location. The sheriff says while he certainly supports local business, he can’t turn a blind eye to the threat to public safety that is occurring. The sheriff says he would be remiss not to classify this establishment as a nuisance.
Law enforcement has responded to a total of 43 calls for service at this location in the past 24 months including five reports of “shots fired.” The remaining calls for service have reported large crowds, fights, unlicensed liquor sales, loud noise complaints, and other disturbances at this location.
The sheriff’s office has executed a search warrant on the premises and discovered evidence that leads investigators to believe that an unlicensed liquor establishment is being operated complete with a full bar, point of sale system and cover charge at the door.
“This appears to be an unlicensed and unregulated establishment that continues to defy the legal obligation required to operate. Further, I have warned this establishment in the past that large crowds, lack of adequate security, repetition of illegal activity, and the unlicensed alcoholic beverages being consumed on the premises were likely to contribute to someone getting hurt. I am not aware of any other business in Williamson County where large crowds combined with numerous calls for service regarding disturbances and shots fire are occurring. The residents of Williamson County have made it clear to me that they are not okay with this activity. It is remarkable given the volume of gunfire, combined with the large number of patrons, that more victims were not struck in the parking lot,” said Sheriff Diederich.
This is an ongoing investigation and criminal charges are anticipated.
The sheriff’s office would like to thank the Carterville Police Department, Energy Police Department, Herrin Police Department, Illinois State Police, and Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson for their assistance.
If you have any information concerning this or any other investigation, please contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541 or Williamson County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-414-8477. Your information is important. All callers may remain anonymous.