Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 | View in browser
Evanston Police Charge Student with Possession of a Handgun
 EVANSTON, IL - On November 09, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m. an Evanston Police School Resource Officer initiated a weapons offense investigation at Evanston Township High School. The SRO's investigation was supported and assisted by the ETHS Safety Staff.
The ETHS Safety Staff received a tip about a student, Rashaun Watkins, being in possession of a loaded handgun. The Safety Staff located Watkins and escorted him to a dean's office. Once Watkins was in the dean's office, the SRO initiated his investigation.
The SRO attempted to perform a pat down search of Watkins as part of the investigation. Watkins behavior during the pat down, which was passively noncompliant, corroborated the suspicion he was armed. While checking the inside of Watkins' upper pant leg area, the SRO felt a handgun. The SRO was able to retrieve the handgun, a Taurus G3 9mm loaded with 12 rounds, without incident.
Watkins was arrested and transported to the police station where the investigation continued. Watkins did not provide a statement. Watkins did not have a FOID Card. The investigation did not reveal plans for a school shooting or an act of violence against students or staff. There were no injuries in connection with this incident.
The SRO reviewed the investigation with the Cook County State’s Attorneys Office. The State’s Attorneys Office approved two felony counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Please click here for a picture of the recovered weapon.
ETHS students can report information about criminal activity, potential violence, or unsafe situations by utilizing Acknowledge, Care, Tell steps. Community members can utilize EPD's Text-A-Tip. To begin your tip message, enter the number "274637" (CRIMES) and then start your message with EPDTIP.
Offender
Watkins, Rashaun male 18 years-of-age
4800 block of Lee Street, Skokie, IL.
Charges
1 felony charge of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon - No FOID Card
1 felony charge of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon - Under 21
Bond and Court Information
Watkins is scheduled to appear in holiday bond court on November 11, at 26th Street and California Avenue.
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Media Relations: Commander Ryan Glew
rglew@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-866-5026
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