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Third Suspect Charged in Howard Street Shooting Investigation
 EVANSTON, IL -The Evanston Police Department has charged a third individual in connection with the shooting investigation that occurred near Howard Street and Custer Avenue.
On April 21, 2026, at approximately 6:08 p.m., officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 700 block of Howard Street. Upon arrival, officers located evidence of gunfire inside a local business. Shortly thereafter, officers located a victim suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds near Main Street and Elmwood Avenue. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Since the incident, members of the Evanston Police Department Detective Bureau have conducted extensive follow-up investigation, including the review of surveillance video, witness statements, physical evidence, and other investigative leads.
As a result of that investigation, an Evanston detective developed probable cause to charge Nathaniel Washington Jr., 23, of Woodstock, Illinois, in connection with the April 21 shooting. The detective subsequently screened the case with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Felony Review Unit and obtained an arrest warrant for Washington issued by the Circuit Court of Cook County.
On May 29, 2026, at approximately 10:15 p.m., members of the Woodstock Police Department arrested Washington at his residence in the 600 block of McHenry Avenue in Woodstock, Illinois.
On May 30, 2026, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Evanston detectives took custody of Washington and transported him to the Evanston Police Department for processing and further investigation. Following an interview and additional consultation with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Felony Review Unit, the following charges were approved:
Offender
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Nathaniel Washington Jr., 23 year old male
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600 block of McHenry Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois
Charges
Court Information
Washington is scheduled to appear on June 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 105 of the Skokie Courthouse for a detention hearing and related court proceedings.
This arrest represents an additional development in the ongoing investigation into the April 21, 2026, shooting near Howard Street and Custer Avenue. Washington is the third individual charged in connection with this investigation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Evanston Police Department. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by texting 274637 (CRIMES), beginning the message with "EPDTIP" followed by the tip information. Individuals are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Media Relations: Commander Ken Carter kcarter@cityofevanston.org Phone: 847-866-5026
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