Police Arrest Felon With 15 Guns In McHenry Home: Police

MCHENRY, IL – A felon who reportedly had 15 guns and numerous rounds of ammunition in his McHenry home now faces charges, police said. The McHenry Police Department was first called to William B. Cheatham's home at 1004 N. Front Street, Unit A, in McHenry at about 8:30 p.m. on Saturday for a reported domestic disturbance. Officers learned Cheatham had allegedly threatened to harm one of the victims with a firearm, and when they arrived at the scene, Cheatham went back into the home and did not respond to police, according to a news release from the McHenry Police Department.

While investigating, police learned Cheatham was a convicted felon who had numerous firearms and obtained a search warrant. Emergency Services Team of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System also responded to the scene.

Authorities entered the home and took Cheatham into custody without incident, according to the news release. During the search of the home, investigators recovered thirteen long guns, two handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition.

During the incident, authorities closed Route 31 (Front Street) for about four hours and also evacuated several homes and businesses in the area, police said. Authorities said no one was injured and the incident was isolated to Cheatham's home.

Cheatham has been charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 3 felony; assault, a class B misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct, a class C misdemeanor. Cheatham was convicted in 2012 of his third DUI, which is a Class 2 felony, according to online McHenry County court records.

Cheatham is currently in custody at the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility. He is expected in court Monday morning.

Photo via McHenry County