More Top Picks Camping Chair
player ready...A judge refused to reduce the bail for a Gary man charged with attempted murder in a shooting that seriously injured two people.
Jarod Deangelo Johnson, 20, has no felony convictions on his record and has a job available, defense attorney Marc Laterzo told Lake Superior Court Judge Salvador Vasquez at a hearing Thursday. Johnson said he returned to Gary in February after living in Atlanta for two and one-half years. While in Atlanta, Johnson said he was convicted of criminal trespassing and placed on probation.
In testimony, Johnson said that he violated probation and supervision as a juvenile, and also had additional charges filed against him while he was living in Georgia. In addition, Johnson is still on probation in the Georgia case, said Nadia Chivers, deputy prosecutor, who labeled Johnson not only a danger to the community, but also a flight risk.
Laterzo said the family could put together $5,000 cash for Johnson’s bond, which is set at $125,000 surety, or $12,500 cash.
Johnson was charged last month in a June 13 shooting in which Johnson’s friend was shot in the face and the man’s pregnant girlfriend was shot twice in the chest. The shooting occurred on 5th Avenue in Gary. The man told police he thought Johnson shot him because Johnson’s family thought he told police Johnson’s brother’s whereabouts before the brother was arrested by Chicago police.
Vasquez said the current bail was appropriate. Johnson’s next court date is Aug. 25.
Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.