Crime
Man Fatally Shot Outside Glenwood Bar Following Confrontation
Glenwood, IL – A 31-year-old man was shot and killed early Sunday morning following a confrontation outside a bar in south suburban Glenwood, according to police.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Chug-A-Lug Pub & Grill, located in the 18000 block of South Halsted Street.
Glenwood police responded to reports of shots fired and discovered the victim, later identified as James Honey Jr., also known as “Liddle Balling,” suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately attempted to render aid, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim and his companions were attempting to leave the bar when they became involved in a confrontation with another group outside.
The dispute escalated, leading to the fatal shooting.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, and authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend those involved.
The Glenwood Police Department and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force are leading the ongoing investigation.
Glenwood Mayor Ron Gardiner addressed the incident on Sunday, calling the shooting “unacceptable” and emphasizing the need for greater efforts to prevent gun violence in the community.
“This tragedy is unacceptable and has no place in our community or any other. One person’s senseless decision has left the victim’s family and friends devastated, and we are keeping them in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mayor Gardiner also stated that he has spoken with the owners of Chug-A-Lug and confirmed that the incident occurred outside the establishment and was not a reflection of the environment inside.
He noted that the business is committed to enhancing security measures to ensure patron safety.
Additionally, Gardiner, who serves as president of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, announced plans to organize a summit on gun violence aimed at fostering collaboration among local leaders to prevent similar tragedies.
“It is my hope that those involved in this incident will come forward and accept responsibility for their actions, and that those with any information will contact the Glenwood Police Department,” he added.
The Chug-A-Lug Pub & Grill released an official statement acknowledging the broader concerns about violence in the Southland region while emphasizing that the incident took place outside in the parking lot as patrons were leaving.
“We acknowledge the unfortunate reality that violence is an issue affecting parts of the Southland region. While this incident occurred in our parking lot and was not a reflection of the atmosphere inside Chug-A-Lug, we understand the broader context.”
The business stated that it has security personnel and strategic closing procedures in place to ensure customer safety and emphasized that this was the first incident of this nature at their establishment.
“We understand that this incident has caused concern within our community, and we want to reassure everyone that we are taking all necessary steps to further enhance our security measures. Beyond our immediate security, Chug-A-Lug is committed to remaining a part of the conversation and contributing to efforts aimed at addressing and helping to stop violence in our community. We are a family-friendly establishment, and the safety of our guests and the well-being of our community remains our utmost priority.”
At this time, police have not determined what initially sparked the confrontation leading to the fatal shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Glenwood Police Department as the investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
Eric Bechtolt Killed After Shooting at Florence Tower in Omaha, Suspect Billy Dorrall Arrested
Omaha, NE – On Sunday evening, Omaha Police Department officers responded to an active shooting at Florence Tower, located at 5100 Florence Blvd, following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire inside the building.
The first reports were received at 6:05 p.m., with at least three separate callers stating they had heard shots fired on the fifth or sixth floor of the apartment complex.
By 6:14 p.m., a fourth caller reported seeing a male suspect walking on the sixth floor carrying two handguns.
Uniform Patrol officers arrived on scene at 6:11 p.m. and began a floor-by-floor search of the building, starting from the fifth floor.
As officers ascended the south stairwell toward the sixth floor, they heard sounds of a disturbance.
Just as they neared the sixth-floor door, it was abruptly opened by a male suspect — later identified as 50-year-old Billy A. Dorrall.
At that moment, one officer discharged their service weapon, striking Dorrall in the left hip.
In response, Dorrall fired back down the stairwell and then retreated into the sixth-floor hallway.
Once back in the hallway, Dorrall reportedly fired multiple rounds, aiming both up and down the corridor, and threatened several residents at gunpoint.
A coordinated arrest team, equipped with a ballistic shield, moved into position while officers in the stairwell maintained containment. As they prepared to enter the hallway, officers heard additional gunfire.
The arrest team entered the hallway, issued loud verbal commands, and Dorrall surrendered without further incident.
He was immediately provided medical treatment by Omaha Fire Department personnel and transported to Nebraska Medicine, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He has since been released into police custody.
During the investigation, officers recovered surveillance footage from building cameras, which was provided by the Omaha Housing Authority.
The footage shows Dorrall behaving erratically and confronting residents before engaging in a verbal altercation with another tenant, identified as 45-year-old Eric M. Bechtolt.
The video shows Dorrall returning to his apartment, retrieving a firearm, and shooting Bechtolt multiple times in the hallway. Responding officers later found Bechtolt deceased outside the stairwell door.
Dorrall was interviewed by detectives and provided a full confession, admitting to the murder of Bechtolt.
He also expressed an intent to kill additional residents and responding officers had he not been stopped.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer issued a statement commending the officers involved:
“I want to commend the officers who responded to this incredibly dangerous situation. Their training, courage, and swift response undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. What unfolded at Florence Tower was tragic, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Bechtolt. Our officers acted heroically under extreme pressure, and I am proud of their commitment to protecting the residents of Omaha.”
The department has released still images from surveillance footage, showing Dorrall armed with two handguns, along with crime scene photographs of the weapons, ammunition, and spent shell casings recovered from the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.