Police say a man who shot a company CEO in a downtown office building Thursday was not legally permitted to carry the gun used in the shooting.
Tony DeFrances, 60, of Barrington did not have a state Firearm Owners Identification Card. Police say they've traced the gun, but have not said who it is registered to, if anyone.
Police say the recently-demoted executive had been with the business for years and shot Steven LaVoie during a one-on-one meeting on the 17th floor at 231 S. LaSalle.
"During the one-on-one, he produced a firearm," Supt. Garry McCarthy said. "There apparently was a struggle over the firearm, the CEO was struck twice -- he is in grave condition -- and then the man took his own life."
DeFrances was pronounced dead at the scene. LaVoie was struck in the stomach and head and was listed in critical condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
DeFrances is listed on ArrowStream's website as the chief technology officer who worked at the company "virtually since its inception." He handled "all aspects" of the company's technology, according to his ArrowStream profile.
LaVoie founded the company, which provides supply chain management solutions for the food service industry, in 2000.
"What we have here is a workplace violence issue," McCarthy said. "Apparently there's a technological company on the 17th floor. They've been undergoing a downsizing. They've demoted a number of people."
George Bolland, who worked with DeFrances on a baseball program in Barrington, said he considers DeFrances a friend.
"I'd ask him to do a favor, I would trust him, he's just a tremendous guy," Bolland said. "He must have been really, really shaken, and I guess after working 20-some years in a place and putting your heart and soul into it, day in and day out, he must have snapped."
Christine Badsky lives a street over from DeFrances and was in downtown Chicago Thursday when the shooting occurred.
"I'm saddened that anyone would be that desperate to end their life," Badsky said.
"I feel sorry for the family that he left behind, because they're the ones that are going to be affected the most."
DeFrances' neighbor across the street, Jim Olsen, is also at a loss to explain what happened.
"I just can't believe that it's Tony that was involved in this," Olsen said. "Pretty much a normal type neighbor that you would meet. Just friendly with people."
ArrowStream issued a statement Thursday afternoon, saying its employees are "deeply saddened and shocked by the events that have occurred today."
"Our focus during this tragedy is to ensure the well-being of our ArrowStream family."
