What to know:
- Federal authorities accuse Counsel Gaynor, a convicted felon, of possessing a firearm when he allegedly shot his Detroit neighbor during a trash can dispute on Sept. 9, 2024.
- Gaynor has prior convictions from 1995, 2011, and 2015, including armed robbery-related offenses and felon-in-possession of a firearm.
- He allegedly told investigators the neighbor was also armed and that he fired in self-defense, then discarded the gun.
- Earlier state charges were dismissed after the victim did not appear to testify. Gaynor now faces a federal charge of possessing a firearm or ammunition as a felon.
DETROIT — A man shot his neighbor during an argument over a trash can and threw the gun away, federal authorities said in a criminal complaint.
In a criminal complaint unsealed on Oct. 7, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) accused Counsel Gaynor of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon during a shooting in September 2024.
Previous convictions
Gaynor was previously convicted in 1995, 2011 and 2015. Here’s a breakdown of the convictions:
- April 1995: Gaynor was convicted of assault with intent to rob while armed, armed robbery and felony firearm.
- November 2011: Gaynor was convicted of receiving and concealing stolen property of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.
- July 2015: Gaynor was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm.
Argument over trash can leads to shooting
Counsel Gaynor, a convicted felon, allegedly shot his neighbor during an argument over a trash can on Sept. 9, 2024, in Detroit. Police searched Gaynor’s home but didn’t find him or the gun.
Around three days later, investigators tried to execute a search warrant at Gaynor’s home. But when they arrived, the home appeared to have been cleared out, and Gaynor was no longer living there…