Glenwood, IL – A deadly altercation outside a south suburban bar left a 31-year-old man fatally shot in the early hours of Sunday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The violence erupted around 1:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Chug-A-Lug Pub & Grill, located in the 18000 block of South Halsted Street. Responding to frantic 911 calls about gunfire, Glenwood police arrived to a grim scene—James Honey Jr., also known as “Liddle Balling,” lying wounded from a gunshot. Despite officers’ efforts to save him, Honey succumbed to his injuries before paramedics could intervene.
Investigators revealed that the deadly confrontation began as the victim and his group were leaving the bar, only to become embroiled in a heated dispute with another party outside. The altercation quickly escalated, culminating in the fatal shooting. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, and authorities are now in a race against time to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Community Leaders Speak Out
In the wake of the tragedy, Glenwood Mayor Ron Gardiner condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable” and stressing the need for proactive measures to curb gun-related crimes.
“This tragedy has left a family in mourning and a community shaken. One person’s reckless actions have caused irreversible loss, and we must do everything we can to prevent future incidents like this,” Gardiner stated.
Emphasizing that the violence took place outside the establishment, the mayor confirmed he had spoken with Chug-A-Lug’s owners, who are committed to strengthening security measures. He also announced plans to convene a regional summit on gun violence, bringing together local leaders in a unified effort to address the growing concern.
Bar Owners Respond
Chug-A-Lug Pub & Grill released an official statement acknowledging the broader concerns of violence in the Southland region while reaffirming their commitment to safety.
“We recognize the unfortunate reality that violence affects many areas of our region. While this tragic incident occurred in our parking lot and not within our establishment, we remain committed to enhancing security for the safety of our patrons.”
The bar assured the public that it has security personnel and strict closing procedures in place, noting that this was the first incident of its kind at their location.
“We understand the concerns of our community, and we are actively working to ensure our patrons feel safe. Beyond immediate security improvements, we are committed to being part of the broader discussion on how to prevent violence in our community.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have yet to determine what initially sparked the confrontation, and the search for the shooter continues. Police urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in bringing those responsible to justice.
As Glenwood grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, residents and officials alike are left asking: what can be done to prevent the next act of senseless violence?
