Trial begins for man charged in Potawatomi shooting

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A trial begins Wednesday, March 19th for Gregory Harmon, Jr., the Wauwatosa man charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred inside Potawatomi Bingo Casino early Sunday morning, June 16th.

As a result of the shooting incident, a 23-year-old Milwaukee woman sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.

According to the criminal complaint, witnesses saw a verbal altercation ensue between Harmon and Tommie Grant.

“He was upset that somebody looked at his girlfriend. He just wanted to let everyone know that he was the man and she was his woman,” a witness told FOX6 News.

Harmon is facing one count of carrying a concealed weapon, one count of endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a handgun where alcohol is sold and consumed.

A Potawatomi guard observed another individual punch Harmon in the face, and then, Harmon shouted “If I get this gun out, I’ll shoot you in the face.” Then, a struggle over the gun ensued, according to the criminal complaint.

Several witnesses said they heard two gunshots. When it was over, Jessica Grant had sustained a gunshot wound to her upper left thigh.

“I was stepping around the blackjack table, and I hear a voice say, ‘I’m shot,’ and I looked down and a young lady was laying there with a gunshot wound to her thigh,” Antonio Felder said.

Court documents indicate Harmon had a black and silver 9mm semi-automatic firearm with a magazine capacity of 30 rounds.

Blood tests revealed Harmon’s blood contained THC.

If convicted, Harmon could face up to $10,000 in fines and/or nine months in prison for each count.

Potawatomi Bingo Casino released the following statement on Monday:

“The Forest County Potawatomi and Potawatomi Bingo Casino are pleased the investigation into the act of violence perpetrated at the casino on June 16 has led to criminal charges.

We appreciate and respect the due diligence performed by the District Attorney’s office, law enforcement and other investigators. We’re confident in their ability to carry out justice in this case. Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Forest County Potawatomi worked closely with law enforcement during the course of this investigation.

This was an isolated incident, we have a 20-year record of being a safe and fun place and we remain thankful that more people were not injured.

The casino continually looks at our security measures to ensure our guests and team members a safe environment. Since the incident, there have been changes made and we are continually looking at other ways we can improve. Other safeguards are in the process of being implemented. We will not go into detail about specifics to protect the integrity of our security protocol.”

FOX6 News spoke with Robert D’Arruda, Harmon’s attorney, who has denied and continues to deny the allegations against his client. D’Arruda says he will fight the allegations up to a jury trial if necessary, and denies the allegations that Harmon had a gun, brought that gun into the casino and fired the gun while there.

“My problem with these witnesses is how accurate are these witness perceptions? How far away were they? Did they have a good look? If the D.A. has all this strong evidence, why are we getting charged three months later? To me, it tells me the strength of their case is not as strong as it could be. At least, I’m encouraged he’s not charged with a felony. In the long run, this is a case for the jury to decide. This is not a slam dunk case,” D’Arruda told FOX6 News on Monday.

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