On Saturday, June 29, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in rural Rock Falls in response to a reported disturbance.
While on route, deputies received information that several armed subjects wearing face coverings had entered a garage where a party was taking place. Upon arrival and further investigation, it was determined that the suspects entered the garage armed with weapons, assaulted a male partygoer, and fired multiple rounds at the residence before fleeing the scene.
As a result, Operation Triple Strike was launched. On Wednesday, July 2, three search warrants were executed in connection with this incident, in the Rock Falls Area. The operation involved the assistance of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, Dixon City Fire Department, and Dixon Rural Fire Department, Cgh Ambulance.
The Whiteside County Sheriff says 22-year-old Baraka D. Boards of Rock Falls is currently in custody at the Whiteside County Jail. He faces multiple charges, the most serious being Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Building. Boards had left the residence prior to police arriving and was taken into custody when he returned.
Arrested later were 18-year-olds Emillio Castro and Ethon T. Hemmiger, both of Rock Falls. They were charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Building.
Operation Triple Threat is an ongoing initiative to combat gun violence and keep our communities safe.
