A 27-year-old Chicago man is going viral after his mugshot hit social media following his arrest for a summer shooting on the West Side.
According to FOX 32 Chicago, Nighel Washington was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and Chicago police in the 500 block of North Lawler Avenue. His arrest comes nearly four months after a July 6 shooting in the 0–100 block of North Lorel Avenue in the Austin neighborhood.
Police say a 25-year-old man was shot in the right thigh around 10:30 p.m. and later transported to Stroger Hospital in stable condition. FOX 32 reports that Washington is now charged with aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a person without a concealed carry license.
The story gained extra traction online after Washington’s mugshot began circulating widely, sparking jokes, memes, and debates about why it suddenly became a trending topic. A clip shared by RaphouseTV helped fuel the viral attention.
While the internet reacts to the photo, officials say the case is a reminder of the ongoing violence impacting neighborhoods like Austin — and the long investigations that often follow.
FAST FACTS
Shooting Date: July 6 Arrest Date: Four months later Victim: 25-year-old man, shot in thigh and listed in stable condition Arresting Agencies: U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force & CPD Charges: Aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm; aggravated unlawful use of a weapon Source: FOX 32 Chicago
