A Waukegan man wanted for over a year for allegedly attacking a woman and firing a shot in Waukegan has been taken into custody and denied pre-trial release.
Thaxter McKnight, 30, of Waukegan, was charged with one count of possession or use of a firearm by a felon, a Class 3 felony.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Dino Katris said McKnight and his girlfriend were driving in a vehicle on October 28, 2021.
The two engaged in a verbal argument that turned physical.
McKnight struck the woman in the head and pulled her hair, Katris said.
The victim began fighting back and McKnight allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband.
Katris said the gun discharged and a bullet went through the windshield. McKnight allegedly fled the scene.
The victim suffered a minor injury to her foot after having to walk barefoot to get help.
The Waukegan Police Department responded and officers found a bullet hole in the windshield, Katris said.
Katris said a spent shell casing was recovered from the passenger seat where McKnight was sitting.
McKnight is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess any firearms.
He was convicted in a 2014 case for possessing a gun while being a gang member and a second 2014 case for aggravated robbery indicating a firearm.
A warrant was issued for McKnight in April 2022 and he was taken into custody earlier this month.
Katris called McKnight a threat to the community and said he does not comply with conditions and orders.
A public defender for McKnight said his client denies he was involved at all in the incident.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered McKnight held in the Lake County Jail pending trial after granting a petition filed by prosecutors.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 1.