A security officer hired to work a New Year's Eve party was charged Jan. 23 with being a felon in possession of a firearm after he shot a rifle into the ceiling to quell a fight in which four people were shot at The Barnhouse, 5484 W. Sunshine St.
The federal charge against Timothy Johnell Smith, 37, of Republic, stems from the fact that he is a convicted felon.
Four people were shot that night, and two were taken to a Springfield hospital for treatment. No one else has been charged with any crimes.
Smith didn't shoot anyone, according to federal court documents.
During the melee, Smith told investigators, he saw someone at the party point a gun at his wife, who was there working security with him.
Smith, according to court documents, “admitted to firing three to four shots from the rifle into the ceiling of the venue. He stated he never pointed the firearm at anyone and was not trying to hit anyone when he fired the shots.”
He says he brought rifle for ‘intimidation'
Smith had gone to The Barnhouse with an AR-15 style rifle. Smith told investigators he brought it for “intimidation.” The rifle was a Bear Creek Arsenal model BCA15.
Investigators eventually learned, according to documents, that Smith has felony convictions in Minnesota for burglary, receiving stolen property and theft.
Someone working the event that night told investigators that he arrived after 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 and shortly after “observed a large group of both men and women fighting. He tried to break that fight up but was assaulted in the process. During the fight, he heard gunshots and then ran away.”
One witness said Smith told people to leave, but no one did. Smith then walked away and returned with the rifle.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.
