A Niles man remains in Lake County Jail after he allegedly shot a man at a Lake Forest dog park on Sunday, authorities said.
Matthew Moy, 35, of Niles, was charged with one count of aggravated battery with a firearm (a Class X Felony) after he allegedly shot a 23-year-old man in the abdomen after a dispute on Sunday. Moy appeared before Lake County Judge Michael Nerheim on Wednesday, who agreed to the state’s request to keep Moy in custody.
Authorities stated Moy and the victim began arguing Sunday afternoon at Lake Forest’s Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area. Then the dispute carried over to the parking lot, where Moy pulled out a gun and shot the other person. The victim’s mother recorded the incident on video.
A state’s attorney spokeswoman said the dispute was allegedly over a dog.
“This appears to be an isolated incident between two individuals,” Lake County Forest Preserves Police Chief Ron Davis said in a statement. “Officers responded quickly, secured the area, and safely took the suspect into custody. I’m proud of their professionalism and swift action.”
The unidentified victim was rushed to Libertyville’s Advocate Condell Medical Center, where he was initially listed in critical condition. By Wednesday afternoon, he was in stable condition according to a Lake County Forest Preserves spokeswoman.
Prosecutors argued Moy should remain in custody because his alleged actions show he is a threat to the community, even though he possessed a valid firearms identification and a concealed carry permit.
“Our thoughts are with the victim and his family,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement. “We are satisfied that this offender has been detained without the ability to use cash. This case shows that even minor arguments can turn potentially lethal when firearms are easily accessible. Our office will continue all efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people through our Violent Crimes Unit, Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, and other programs.”
Moy’s next court date is scheduled for Friday morning.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
