A Springfield man was arrested Sunday evening in connection with a shooting outside The Stadium Smokehouse Bar & Grill.
According to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of shots fired at the establishment on March 23, 2025, at approximately 4:51 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a 31-year-old Springfield man receiving treatment from emergency medical personnel for a gunshot wound to the left hip. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was reported to be in stable condition.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the victim had been inside the bar and was involved in a verbal altercation with another individual. After the victim exited the building, the suspect allegedly fired multiple shots, striking the victim once.
Deputies identified a potential suspect and responded to a residence in the 2000 block of West Jefferson. At approximately 5:45 p.m., 52-year-old Clarence Smith Jr., of Springfield, exited the residence and surrendered to law enforcement. He was taken into custody and transported to the Sangamon County Jail.
Smith has been charged with Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. According to authorities, he has prior arrests for drug-related offenses, assault, and homicide.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to interview witnesses and gather evidence.