Janesville man arrested after shooting in Machesney Park

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WIFR) – A 22-year-old Janesville man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly shot a man in the back near a Machesney Park elementary school.

Meovante Cooper is charged with attempted premeditated murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.

On Saturday, August 24, at approximately 4:30 a.m., a Winnebago County Sheriff's deputy reported hearing gunshots near Machesney Park Elementary School. While the deputy was canvassing the area, a 911 call came in about a gunshot victim in the 1000 block of Minns Drive.

The officer reported seeing a vehicle driving nearby and stopped the driver, allegedly Cooper. The officer reported finding a 9mm Glock on the passenger floorboard of the vehicle.

When officers arrived in the 1000 block of Minns Drive, they found a 21-year-old man who had been shot in the back. The victim was taken to the hospital and is said to be in critical condition.

Cooper's next court date is expected for October 3.

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