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Emara William, 35, was arrested by federal marshals and Chicago police on October 1, 2026, after being identified as the gunman in a July shooting.
Federal task force officers and Chicago police took a 35-year-old into custody on Thursday in connection with a summer shooting.
Members of the Chicago Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Emara William on October 1, 2026.
Law enforcement officers apprehended William at 9:41 a.m. in the 2600 block of South California Avenue.
Investigating detectives identified William as the gunman who opened fire on a man on the city’s West Side several months earlier.
The underlying shooting incident occurred on July 17, 2026, around 7:47 p.m. in the 400 block of North Central Avenue.
A 29-year-old man was standing near a sidewalk along the West Side corridor when gunfire erupted.
The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his thigh during the evening attack.
Following the shooting, the injured man managed to self-transport to Loreto Hospital, where medical staff treated him in fair condition.
Officers assigned to the 15th District responded to the scene shortly after dispatchers received reports of shots fired.
Detectives worked through the summer months gathering evidence that ultimately led to William’s identification as the primary suspect.
Prosecutors with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office formally charged William with one felony count of attempted first-degree murder.
Prior Arrests
William, whose address is listed in the 7700 block of South Winchester Avenue, has a documented history of prior arrests in Cook County.
Public record searches show that the 35-year-old has been arrested nine times in Cook County since 2015.
April 2015 (Age 22): Arrested in the 15th District for manufacturing and delivering cocaine near a school/public park.
October 2017 (Age 25): Arrested in the 11th District on an outstanding warrant.
January 2019 (Age 27): Arrested in the 8th District for driving on a suspended license, failing to display a license, and running a stop sign.
March 2019 (Age 27): Arrested in the 15th District for aggravated fleeing from law enforcement with multiple control devices and running multiple stop signs.
April 2019 (Age 27): Arrested in the 11th District for manufacturing/delivering heroin and soliciting unlawful business.
March 2021 (Age 29): Arrested in the 10th District for unlawful use of a weapon (felon in possession of a firearm), possessing high-capacity magazines, and an outstanding warrant.
July 2023 (Age 31): Arrested in the 15th District for criminal trespass to a residence and an outstanding warrant.
April 2026 (Age 34): Arrested in the 15th District for possession with intent to manufacture/deliver controlled substances.
October 2026 (Age 35): Arrested in the 2600 block of South California Avenue by U.S. Marshals and charged with attempted first-degree murder.
William was scheduled to appear for a formal detention hearing on October 2, 2026, at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building located at 2600 S. California Ave.
No additional victims were injured during the July sidewalk shooting.
Police officials confirmed that no further public details are currently available as the legal proceedings move forward.
