Man Accused of Firing Gun During Peru Scuffle Pleads “Not Guilty” to Felonies

The man accused of firing a gun during the bedlam near 28^th Street Park in Peru appeared in court with his entourage on Friday.

Nineteen-year old Mitchell Hampton pled not guilty to the three felony charges against him. He then gestured toward a crowd of more than 10 people who turned up to see him in court. He’s charged with Aggravated and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, as well as Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

The charges stem from the fight that took place at the Peru Park after a dispute about a basketball game allegedly turned physical on June 15^th. The other person arrested after the pandemonium is accused of having brass knuckles on him at the time of the fight.

Hampton remains in the county jail, needing $100,000 to get out. His trial is set to begin September 26^th.