From the Evanston Police Department:
The Evanston Police Department is providing an update on its investigation into two recent altercations reported in the 2500 block of Crawford Avenue.
At 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, Evanston Police responded to the 2500 block of Crawford Avenue for a report of an aggravated assault. Upon arrival, officers learned that an employee of the Barbereux School, James Coffey, had a verbal altercation with an individual clearing snow at a neighboring residence, resulting in Coffey allegedly pointing a handgun at the other party. The altercation did not escalate further and no one was injured. Coffey was arrested by officers on a charge of aggravated assault, a Class A misdemeanor.
At 8:40 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, Evanston Police responded to a second incident in the 2500 block of Crawford Avenue. The victim from the previous day’s alleged aggravated assault said he had been approached by a subject that he believed to be Coffey; however, the Evanston Police Department’s investigation has now revealed that it was not Coffey, but another resident of the area who had approached the victim. The victim had dropped an object and the resident attempted to return that object to the victim. Believing it was Coffey, the victim fled and called police.
Even though Thursday’s incident was unfounded, the Evanston Police will deploy additional patrols to the area in an effort to elevate visibility and safety.