Rural Watson Man Taken Into Custody Following Standoff

(AARON DAVIS)

A rural Watson man was taken into custody early Saturday morning after the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from an injured woman. The call led to a standoff that lasted more than four hours. Sheriff Paul Kuhns released information on the incident on Tuesday. The man was identified as 49-year-old Aaron Davis.

Friday night at approximately 7:46 PM, the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Davis’ girlfriend, saying she needed help. When Deputies arrived, they found the woman outside bleeding. The woman stated she was attacked by Davis, who was armed with a knife. The Deputies administered emergency first aid to the woman until Rural Med EMS arrived at the scene and transported her to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital. Before the female was transported from the scene, she stated there were several guns and knives located in the residence, and Davis was inside. He refused to answer, or to come out of the house trailer and a perimeter was quickly established. The Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called to assist. ILEAS SWAT entered Davis’ home at 12:08 AM on Saturday, and Davis was taken into custody without incident. Davis was transported to the Effingham County Jail where he was charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery and held for his pre-trial detention hearing. The investigation into this matter continues, and will be referred to the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution. On Monday, a Detention Hearing was held for Davis, and his pre-trial release was denied. Davis is in the custody of the Effingham County Jail at last report.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, Watson Fire Protection District, Rural Med EMS, the Illinois State Police, the Altamont Police Department and the Effingham Police Department.