A police officer interrupted an altercation and arrested a suspect who allegedly retrieved a gun on the Woodstock Square Thursday, one week after a shooting in the same location.
A Woodstock police officer was on patrol around 11:45 p.m. Thursday in the 200 block of North Benton Street in Woodstock.
The officer heard a verbal altercation between male subjects and approached them.
Police officials said the subjects began to display behavior that indicated they were going to engage in a physical fight. One of the subjects began to flee on foot from the scene.
The other subject, identified as Cliffino J. Washington, 22, of Woodstock, went to his vehicle near Judd Street and Benton Street and retrieved a handgun, police officials said.
The officer announced his presence and ordered Washington to drop the firearm.
Washington complied and was taken into custody and transported to the Woodstock Police Department.
Washington, who does not have a concealed carry license, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony, and transported to the McHenry County Jail.
“The Woodstock Police Department continues to strive for a safe environment for all Woodstock residents. Not only will the City of Woodstock reaffirm the partnership with the affected business owners in this area, but the Woodstock community can also expect a continued, and increased, amount of police presence in this area to achieve an assured level of safety,” police officials said in a statement.
The incident occurred one week after a Harvard man fired a shot at a woman in the same location at Judd Street and Benton Street. No one was injured.
Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner, Woodstock City Council and Woodstock city administration say they are taking additional steps to “maintain a safe and welcoming environment” for residents and visitors in the downtown Benton Street dining and entertainment district.
The city said they are limiting outdoor seating on Benton Street effective immediately in response to the two incidents.
D.C. Cobb’s and Oliver’s Bar and Grill will continue to offer outdoor dining while all other establishments on Benton Street will no longer provide outdoor seating and service.
“Though these incidents are unrelated, we take these events very seriously,” Turner said.
“The well-being, safety, and protection of our residents, visitors, and business community are of the utmost importance and a top priority of the City. I am very proud of our Woodstock Police Department and the City of Woodstock for being proactive in their efforts,” Turner said.
The Woodstock Police Department said they have increased patrols and implemented a dedicated police presence in the area.
Washington has since been released from the jail after posting 10% of a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on August 4.