WBIW.com News - local

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Man Who Shot Himself Purchased Gun At Bedford Pawnshop

Last updated on Thursday, July 19, 2012

(UNDATED) - Investigators suspected early in their investigation that something was awry in lawyer Peter Raventos’ story of being shot in the back while jogging at McCormick’s Creek State Park the night of June 25.

Laura Lane of the Herald Times reports that Raventos was in a Lawrence County court hearing until 11 a.m. He then went to Bedford's Ace Pawnshop and paid $85.60 for a 20-gauge shotgun. Ninety minutes later, he was at Lowes in Bloomington, buying plywood and a Mt. Dew soft drink. From there, he went to nearby MC Sports and purchased a box of shells for the shotgun.

Then Raventos drove to Walmart on Ind. 45 to buy bungee cords. And at 2:50 p.m., he drove into the state park gate. From 6 to 8 p.m., he watched his son play baseball at Ellettsville's ballpark, then said he was returning to the park to jog, something he had not done in a long time.

At 10:05 p.m., Raventos called 911 from his cell phone. He had been shot.

Two Indiana State Police troopers arrived at the park four minutes later and found an injured Raventos near the camping area at 10:22. He approached them, and fell to the ground.

The officer observed pimply and bruised spots on Raventos' backside, and noted they did not seem fresh and were not bleeding much. They noticed two smeared bloodstains on his shirt.

Raventos told them he was jogging along the White River when shot, and had walked up Trail 7 to the road. He said the shot came from across the river. An ambulance transported Raventos to Bloomington Hospital, and he was transferred to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for further treatment, then released.

After reviewing reports and statements from the 17 state troopers, sheriff's deputies and conservation officers who investigated Raventos' claim someone had shot him, Owen County Prosecutor Donald Vandermoere charged Raventos with obstruction of justice, a felony, and false informing, which is a misdemeanor.

The man's ex-wife told police Raventos was facing foreclosure on his home near Ellettsville and repossession of his white Jeep. He was to appear in court three days after the shooting because he was behind in child support payments.

His trial has been set for Oct. 17 in Owen Circuit Court.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page