Man, 50, Charged In Woodstock Standoff

WOODSTOCK, IL — A 50-year-old man faces charges following a standoff in Woodstock that forced officials to halt nearby Metra train traffic and evacuate residents in the area Wednesday evening.

Matthew Earnes, of the 400 block of Lake Avenue in Woodstock, was taken into custody following a five-hour standoff at his home. Authorities were first called to the residence at about 5:15 p.m. after a juvenile's parents told a police officer their neighbor displayed two firearms in what appeared to be an act of intimidation for making too much noise, according to a news release.

The man then went back into his home where two other people also lived, police said.

The Woodstock Police Department and McHenry County Sheriff's Office established a permitter around the home, evacuated nearby homes and advised others to shelter in place, according to police. Traffic in the area was re-routed, and Metra trains were not allowed to pass through for several hours.

Police were able to get the attention of one of the men, who was later identified as Earnes, and took him into custody. Authorities then obtained a search warrant and entered the home where they met with the two other people who lived there, according to the news release.

Three guns were taken from the home, and police interviewed all the residents before charging Earnes with possession of a firearm without a FOID card. Additional charges are possible, according to the news release.

No charges were filed against the other two occupants inside the home.

Eames was transported to the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility and has since posted bond and been released.