Matthew Peed, 20, of Kewanee plead guilty to Reckless Discharge of a Firearm in an open plea hearing on May 16, 2023, which means there was an agreement on the charges but not the sentence. Judge Colby Hathaway ordered a Pre-Sentencing Investigation and a Sentencing Hearing is scheduled for July 21, 2023, at 1 PM. The remaining charges will be dismissed per the partial plea agreement. Reckless Discharge of a Firearms is a Class 4 Felony and is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by one year of Mandatory Supervised Release, but Probation or Conditional Discharge are possible.
Matthew Peed was charged with Aggravated Battery by Firearm Discharge (Class 1 Felony), Aggravated Battery in a Public Place (Class 3 Felony), Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony) and Aggravated Assault (Class 3 Felony).
On June 30, 2022, Kewanee Police were called to the 500 block of Franklin Street for an altercation between two male individuals. During the fight, Matthew Peed displayed a handgun at the victim and one round was discharged from the weapon when the victim grabbed the handgun. The victim suffered minor injuries to his hand but refused medical treatment at the scene. Kewanee Police Officers gathered surveillance footage and took witness statements from the area. On July 1st, an arrest warrant was issued for $150,000 (10%) bond. Bond was reduced to $10,000 (10%) on September 28th because of the defendants medical condition and he must wear a GPS Ankle Bracelet.
