Man Accused Of Firing Shots In Southside Claims Self-Defense

A man accused of opening fire outside of a South Side bar Sunday night injuring three people appeared in court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing.

Officers said the bouncer kicked George Morgan, 27, of Baldwin, out of the Town Tavern on East Carson Street for "causing problems."

The bouncer, Mark Ferguson, said Morgan and a friend shouted insults at him and refused to leave. Ferguson told the judge that a fight broke out and Morgan's friend was punched. When Ferguson stepped in to break the fight up, that's when he said shots were fired.

According to police, Morgan began firing shots at the bouncer using a 9 mm pistol. Investigators said Morgan's gun got jammed, and that's when the gunfire stopped.

Three people were each shot in the leg, police said. None of the injuries appeared to be serious.

Morgan is facing several charges including attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

Morgan's attorney said the shooting was self-defense.

"Self-defense is something we would establish at the time of trial. We didn't dispute a gun was pulled and an individual was shot. We're alleging and maintaining it was in self-defense," said defense attorney William Bishop. "Morgan was bleeding, reached for his gun as soon as he could because he believed he was going to be pummeled as well."

Morgan is out of jail on bond. There is no word on when his next trial date will be.

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