Lynn teen pleads innocent to armed assault

SALEM – Bail for a Lynn teenager charged with firing a gun during a fight this summer on Brightwood Terrace was set Wednesday at $3,500 cash with conditions.Jimmy T. Keo, 17, of 14 Clifton Ave., #1, Lynn, pleaded innocent at his arraignment in Salem Superior Court before Judge David A. Lowy to armed assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition, carrying a firearm without a license and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling.If Keo makes bail, he will be on house arrest and only to allowed leave his parents? home for attorney and medical appointments.Assistant District Attorney John B. Brennan argued for a much higher bail, suggesting $10,000 cash based on the strength and seriousness of the case and the significant sentence Keo faces.Police received a call shortly before midnight on Aug. 21 regarding a fight on Brightwood Terrace.As police drove down Rogers Avenue, they heard several gunshots. A man on a bicycle waved down the officers and said he saw Keo in the area acting suspicious and firing shots.When police interviewed Keo, they found no weapon on his person, but Keo voluntarily took police to where he had tossed the 9-mm firearm, near a multi-family home.No one was injured by the gunshots but, according to reports, bullet holes were found in several motor vehicles on the street.Defense lawyer Russell Sobelman insisted on a lower bail, proposing $2,000 cash, while pointing out to Lowy that his client has no criminal record and saying that he comes from a hard-working and strict family.Sobelman told Lowy that his client denies any gang affiliation or drug use but admits drinking on occasion as he suggested house arrest with a monitoring system.Lowy also set other conditions if Keo makes bail. He will be on pretrial probation until his case is resolved, with no use of alcohol and submit to random screenings, and is only to leave the house for medical and attorney appointments with advanced notice to probation.Keo is due back in court on Nov. 15.