Press Release: Cannabis Violations Lead to UUW Charges

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 12/19/2024 12:20 PM CST

Thursday, December 19, 2024 | View in browser

Cannabis Violations Lead to UUW Charges

EVANSTON, IL - On December 17, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 300 block of Custer Avenue. The officers observed two individuals, later identified as Jared Childs and Rashaun Watkins, walking south on the east sidewalk. Childs and Watkins were smoking cannabis in the public way as they walked on the sidewalk.

When officers initiated a stop, Childs provided conflicting statements about his age and date of birth, raising suspicion. While securing Childs in handcuffs, officers discovered a loaded SCT-19 handgun with a 40-round magazine concealed in his armpit. The firearm did not have a serial number.

Watkins was nervous, and at one point it appeared he might attempt to flee on foot. Pursuant to a patdown search, a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm handgun was found in his jacket pocket. A subsequent check revealed the firearm was stolen.

Both were transported to the station for further investigation. Neither Childs nor Watkins possessed a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card or a Concealed Carry License (CCL). Childs made an admission that he carried the weapon for protection. Watkins did not make a statement.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the investigation and approved two felony counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for each Watkins and Childs. Click here for a picture of the SCT-19 and here for a picture of the Smith and Wesson. Both were also cited for local ordinance cannabis violations.

Offender #1

Childs, Jared, 18-year-old male

200 block of Asbury Ave., Evanston, IL.

Charges