Illinois Man With Violent Past Given $500,000 Bail For Attempted Murder, Shooting Into Crowd On Saturday

Copied!
Damon Blakey (31) of Zion, IL and Attorney Zachary Caley
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

An Illinois man, who was charged today with attempted murder and other serious felonies, faces 128 years in a Wisconsin prison for shooting three people on Saturday, August 20, 2022. At Las Margaritas (2322 Roosevelt Rd), many people were celebrating a birthday when the 31-year-old Damon Blakey got into a physical confrontation with a friend of his and got punched in the face. A short time later, police and prosecutors say, Blakey grabbed a gun from his car and started shooting into a crowd of about 5-6 people. His intended target was shot in the back near his neck, his upper arm, and through his hand. He was bleeding profusely, but Kenosha Police Officers quickly treated the man’s many wounds and likely saved his life. He told police he was about to pass out and thought he was going to die. Two women were also shot. One woman was shot in the breast (in and out) and was released soon after arriving at the hospital. The other woman, who’s birthday was being celebrated, sustained major injuries and was intubated and needed blood transfusions. She was kept sedated. She was shot in her left hip and right shoulder.

Paid Advertisement

According to Kenosha Police Sergeant Jeff Galley, all victims are expected to survive.

Paid Advertisement
Damon Blakey

Most of the shooting and confrontation was captured on camera. Blakey ditched the gun in a trash can that was on the side off the road. A witness told a 9-1-1 operator about the ditching of the gun, who told police. It was recovered quickly. Blakey initially denied being the shooter, but then told detectives, “fuck it.” He then gave a full confession on video where he said he grabbed the gun after being punched and began to “blow” meaning shoot. He said he shot at the man because he punched his tooth out. He described his gun as being gray and black. He told police he extended the gun out with his right hand and began to shoot into the crowd of 5 or 6 people. He said he was shooting at no one in particular but then targeted the man who punched him. When he learned that the birthday girl who is his friend was shot he started to sob. He told police he bought the gun on the “streets” but not Kenosha.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha Prosecutor T. Clair Binger
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Kenosha Assistant District Attorney T. Clair Binger appeared for the state today and asked for a $250,000 cash bond. He said that Blakey has no ties to this community and that he admitted to shooting unarmed people as a convicted felon. Binger said that “[Blakey] was not using reasonable self-defense here.” Defense Attorney Zachary Caley argued for a “reasonable cash bond” and said Blakey only had $10,000 to post.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha Circuit Court Commissioner Loren Keating
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Court Commissioner Loren Keating called the allegations “incredibly serious” before setting Blakey’s bail at $500,000, double the amount requested by Binger. Keating also took issue that Blakey tossed the gun in a place where “anyone could have located it.”

Paid Advertisement

Blakey will have his preliminary examination on August 31, 2022 at 8:15am.

Paid Advertisement
Damon Blakey (31) of Zion, IL , Attorney Zachary Caley, anbd ADA T. Clair Binger
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

MORE TOP STORIES

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Categories
Archives
Authors

5 Responses

  1. I see Binger ditched the Trey Gowdy look. $500K for bond, that’s all? Look- a- like Trey should understand a good bar fight, right? After his weak performance in the Rittenhouse trial, let’s hope he’s not in acting class with this case.

    1. Facts!! I guess Mr Binger is trying to hide his identity with the T Clair moniker after he intentionally tanked the rottenhouse case. I’ll bet he doesn’t drop the ball on this one though.. smh everyone knows Gravely would have handled the case if they really wanted a conviction, we as a community are tired of this crap people coming here shooting and killing people!!

  2. Convicted violent felons in possession of a gun should become a life sentence. Violence would slow to a crawl. We go so easy on career thugs until they finally hurt or kill someone. If the Eye has time, I’d be interested in seeing his rap sheet…I’m betting it’s not a short one.

  3. Binger said that “[Blakey] was not using reasonable self-defense here.”

    BWAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA like Binger knows what that is.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

$17,500 Bail Set for Kenosha Man Caught with Fentanyl, MDMA, and Marijuana, Police Say

Elijah B. Echols, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 27-year-old Kenosha man with a violent criminal history is facing three new felony drug charges after police say they caught him with more than 30 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and MDMA, along with a stash of marijuana hidden in his body. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony physical abuse of an elder person—intentionally causing bodily harm. He also faces

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Salem Lakes Board Sparks Outrage After Voting to Let Convicted Predator Live Near Park, Boy Scout Camp

Child Predator Joshuah C. Koboldt, 40, of Salem Lakes (9416 276th Avenue)(Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — The Salem Lakes Village Board ignited a firestorm this week after narrowly approving a convicted child predator’s request to live just steps away from a children’s park and Camp Wonderland, a well-known Boy Scout campground. You must be logged in to view the rest

Extreme Heat Warning: Kenosha County Reminds Residents of Available Cooling Centers

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – With extreme heat warnings in effect this week, Kenosha County officials are urging residents to take precautions and make use of designated cooling centers throughout the area. Cooling centers are available at various municipal buildings, libraries, and community organizations across the county. These locations offer air-conditioned relief and are open to the public during the hours listed below: .

Plus +

Strangulation, Threats, and False Imprisonment: Kenosha Man Faces 10 Charges

Arturo L. Martinez III, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing ten criminal charges—including felony strangulation, false imprisonment, and threats to injure—after a woman reported months of domestic violence that allegedly occurred in front of their young children. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged in Drive-By Shooting at Family Party

Damien C. Wess, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges after allegedly driving a getaway vehicle from a shooting that took place at a family gathering. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Strangling Neighbor Over Property Dispute

PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. — A 54-year-old Paddock Lake man has been charged with felony strangulation and elder abuse after allegedly attacking his 66-year-old neighbor during a property line dispute on June 15 in the Village of Paddock Lake. Richard K. Ruck faces three charges: physical abuse of an elder person, strangulation and suffocation, and disorderly conduct. The criminal complaint, filed June 17 in

Free German-Style Pop-Up Biergarten Returns to Kenosha’s Lakefront July 17–19

KENOSHA, Wis. — A popular summer tradition is returning to HarborPark as the Hofbräu Pop-up Biergarten sets up along the lakefront from July 17 through July 19. The event is free to attend and promises three days of festive, family-friendly fun in the spirit of a traditional German Biergarten. Held at Celebration Place, 5501 Ring Road, the biergarten will serve authentic Hofbräuhaus beer

Plus +

Kenosha Riot Participant Denied Early Release by Judge

Kelly Ziminski, 34(Kenosha County Sheriff and Wisconsin DOC) KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the rioters present the night Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha has been denied early release from prison. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Sues County After Sheriff’s Squad Crashes Through Funeral Procession

Kenosha Sheriff’s Squad(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is suing Kenosha County after a sheriff’s squad allegedly ran a red light and drove through a funeral procession, crashing into her vehicle and causing serious injuries. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Restraining Order Violator Allegedly Threatened to “Make Body Disappear,” Witness Says

SALEM, Wis. — Michael A. Daniels, a failed farmer with a long trail of legal troubles, was in court Tuesday after allegedly violating a temporary restraining order just hours after being served. Kenosha County Court Commissioner William Michel set bail at $500 cash. Daniels, 48, of Salem, is charged with violating a temporary restraining order issued May 19. If convicted, he faces up

Kenosha Bartender Accused of Scissors Attack On Sister

KENOSHA, Wis. — In the early hours of June 2, 2025, a 33-year-old Kenosha bartender, Justine E. Bloxdorf, was arrested after allegedly attacking her sister with a pair of scissors following a reported dispute involving drugs. According to police sources, a 9-1-1 call was made around 2:22 a.m., shortly after Bloxdorf finished her shift at a downtown tavern. Responding Kenosha officers recommended criminal

Fourth OWI Defendant Wanted After Failing to Appear in Court

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Burlington man is now the subject of an active arrest warrant after failing to appear in court Wednesday on felony charges related to an alleged fourth drunk driving offense earlier this month. Matthew J. Mortensen, 47, was summoned to appear at 1 p.m. in Kenosha County Circuit Court for an initial appearance in case 2025CF000855. When he failed

Plus +

Man Accused of Pointing Gun at Neighbor During Lakefront Dispute

Thomas L. Carlson Jr., 50, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 50-year-old Burlington man is facing criminal charges after allegedly pulling a gun on his neighbor during a late-night confrontation at Lily Lake, escalating what authorities described as an ongoing feud between the two men. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Held Woman Hostage at Knife Point for Seven Hours, Prosecutors Say

Glen D. Pipkin Jr., 40, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, for Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing serious felony charges and is being held on a high cash bail after police say he brutally attacked and held a woman hostage inside their shared home for over seven hours, using a knife to threaten, injure, and

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing SUV, Resisting Arrest While Out on Bond for Two Other Cases

Crystal S. Wakefield, 31, of Kenosha of Kenosha In Court Today(Photo by Nathan DeBruin for Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 31-year-old Kenosha woman is facing six new criminal charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle and resisting arrest while already out on bond in two separate cases. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

$17,500 Bail Set for Kenosha Man Caught with Fentanyl, MDMA, and Marijuana, Police Say

Elijah B. Echols, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 27-year-old Kenosha man with a violent criminal history is facing three new felony drug charges after police say they caught him with more than 30 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and MDMA, along with a stash of marijuana hidden in his body. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony physical abuse of an elder person—intentionally causing bodily harm. He also faces

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Salem Lakes Board Sparks Outrage After Voting to Let Convicted Predator Live Near Park, Boy Scout Camp

Child Predator Joshuah C. Koboldt, 40, of Salem Lakes (9416 276th Avenue)(Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — The Salem Lakes Village Board ignited a firestorm this week after narrowly approving a convicted child predator’s request to live just steps away from a children’s park and Camp Wonderland, a well-known Boy Scout campground. You must be logged in to view the rest

Extreme Heat Warning: Kenosha County Reminds Residents of Available Cooling Centers

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – With extreme heat warnings in effect this week, Kenosha County officials are urging residents to take precautions and make use of designated cooling centers throughout the area. Cooling centers are available at various municipal buildings, libraries, and community organizations across the county. These locations offer air-conditioned relief and are open to the public during the hours listed below: .

Plus +

Strangulation, Threats, and False Imprisonment: Kenosha Man Faces 10 Charges

Arturo L. Martinez III, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing ten criminal charges—including felony strangulation, false imprisonment, and threats to injure—after a woman reported months of domestic violence that allegedly occurred in front of their young children. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged in Drive-By Shooting at Family Party

Damien C. Wess, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges after allegedly driving a getaway vehicle from a shooting that took place at a family gathering. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Strangling Neighbor Over Property Dispute

PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. — A 54-year-old Paddock Lake man has been charged with felony strangulation and elder abuse after allegedly attacking his 66-year-old neighbor during a property line dispute on June 15 in the Village of Paddock Lake. Richard K. Ruck faces three charges: physical abuse of an elder person, strangulation and suffocation, and disorderly conduct. The criminal complaint, filed June 17 in

Free German-Style Pop-Up Biergarten Returns to Kenosha’s Lakefront July 17–19

KENOSHA, Wis. — A popular summer tradition is returning to HarborPark as the Hofbräu Pop-up Biergarten sets up along the lakefront from July 17 through July 19. The event is free to attend and promises three days of festive, family-friendly fun in the spirit of a traditional German Biergarten. Held at Celebration Place, 5501 Ring Road, the biergarten will serve authentic Hofbräuhaus beer

Plus +

Kenosha Riot Participant Denied Early Release by Judge

Kelly Ziminski, 34(Kenosha County Sheriff and Wisconsin DOC) KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the rioters present the night Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha has been denied early release from prison. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Sues County After Sheriff’s Squad Crashes Through Funeral Procession

Kenosha Sheriff’s Squad(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is suing Kenosha County after a sheriff’s squad allegedly ran a red light and drove through a funeral procession, crashing into her vehicle and causing serious injuries. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.