Bond lowered for Lindenhurst man accused in gun sale that led to fatal police shooting

Bail was reduced Wednesday for a Lindenhurst man accused of taking part in an illegal gun sale to a Waukegan teen who later shot and killed by a Zion police officer.

Lake County Judge Christen Bishop cut bail for Tramond Peet, 18, from $15,000 to $5,000 because Peet did not have a prior criminal record, said Cynthia Vargas, communication manager for the Lake County state's attorney's office. Vargas said Peet would need to post $500 to be freed from Lake County jail.

If released on bail, Peet is ordered to live with his father, be on 24-hour curfew, and can leave his residence only to attend school or court, Vargas said. She said Peet is not allowed to carry weapons or drugs, or associate with known gang members.

He was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for trying to sell a gun to Justus Howell, 17, minutes before the Waukegan District 60 student was shot in the back by a Zion police officer after a foot chase April 4, according to police.

Peet and Howell met in an alley near Gilead Avenue for the gun sale, authorities said, but a fight broke out when Howell tried to take the weapon from Peet.

The gun was fired during the fight, authorities said, and a neighbor phoned police. Authorities said Howell ran from the alley when police arrived.

Howell was shot twice in the back at Gilead Avenue and 24th Street, authorities said, and was pronounced dead at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan.

Police have not identified the officer, who has been placed on administrative leave, authorities said. The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force is investigating the shooting.