The incident started when Howell, who lived in Waukegan, arranged to meet a man in Zion to buy a semi-automatic pistol for $600, according to Nerheim. Howell tried to steal the gun instead, Nerheim said, and the prosecutor displayed separate surveillance camera video that appeared to show Howell and the man tussling. Howell pointed the gun at the man, who pushed the weapon toward the ground, and it discharged, authorities said.