Man accused of shooting bar employee Saturday night charged with Class X felony

PEORIA COUNTY (25News Now) - Peoria County prosecutors have charged a man with aggravated battery for a shooting late Saturday night that wounded a West Peoria bar employee.

Bond was set at $150,000 for Anthony Gates, 43, meaning he has to pay $15,000 cash to be released.

The employee at Mike’s Tavern on North Cedar Street told sheriff’s deputies the customer he kicked out of the bar pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at him.

The victim was shot in the stomach, according to authorities. A nearby house and car were struck by gunfire too.

The state’s attorney’s office said in a news release that deputies found a gun in a storm drain across the street from where Gates was arrested.

Also, prosecutors said the employee identified Gates as the shooter.

Aggravated battery with a firearm is a Class X felony, carrying a mandatory 6-30-year prison sentence if Gates is convicted.

Copyright 2023 WEEK. All rights reserved.