Shooting During Alleged Drug Deal Results in Arrest in Mattoon

A Mattoon man is in custody after a shooting incident Thursday night that authorities say occurred during a drug transaction.

(JOHN WATTS)

34-year-old John R. Watts was arrested shortly before 3am Friday on counts of armed violence, aggravated battery with a firearm, and felon in possession of a firearm. Mattoon police had responded at 8:42pm Thursday to a report of shots being fired at 3225 Marshall Avenue in Mattoon. Police found an individual had been shot in the hip, an injury that was non-life threatening. The gunshot victim's name was not released.

Watts was taken to Coles County Jail pending filing of formal charges by the Coles County State's Attorney's Office. Watts' bond has been set at $500,000.

Mattoon police were assisted by the Charleston Police Department and the Coles County State's Attorney's Office.