Columbia Man Convicted of Assault in Buffalo Wild Wings Shooting

A Boone County jury has found 38-year-old Alexis Gonzalez guilty of second-degree assault and armed criminal action for shooting a man at a Columbia Buffalo Wild Wings in 2024.

He was found not guilty of unlawful use of a weapon in connection to the incident.

Prosecutors say Gonzalez shot Gary Bitsicas in the face after a violent confrontation that began when Bitsicas allegedly attacked Gonzalez’s girlfriend outside the restaurant.

During the trial, both men and the girlfriend testified, giving conflicting accounts of what happened.

Evidence included surveillance footage, photos of injuries, and a hat with a bullet hole.

Gonzalez has been held in the Boone County Jail without bond since the shooting.

The jury returned its verdict Wednesday evening.