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
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.