Woodstock man arrested after making hostile remarks towards public officials

WOODSTOCK — On March 29, at approximately 7 a.m., law enforcement from the Woodstock Police Department and the McHenry County Multi-Jurisdictional SWAT Team responded to the 600 block of Brink Street to serve a resident with a felony arrest warrant.

According to a press release statement, the male subject, who was identified as 39-year-old Brandon M. Smith, had previously made threatening statements to Woodstock officials and hinted at the possibility of possessing at least one firearm. This led to safety precautions needing to be put in place before serving Smith with the arrest warrant.

“The established security perimeter with police personnel and police equipment prevented any danger to the public,” said the Woodstock Police Department.

Smith was taken into custody without incident after authorities announced their presence.

In the months leading up to Smith’s arrest, he had allegedly been communicating with members of the Woodstock Police Department and city hall officials regarding his dissatisfaction with prior police interactions.

During the ongoing communications, authorities state Smith became increasingly hostile toward City of Woodstock staff and began making threats of committing physical harm. It was also noted that Smith’s FOID card had been previously revoked due to a separate ongoing issue.

“Due to the volatility of the situation, the Investigations Division of the Woodstock Police Department conducted an investigation, and the results of the investigation [were] reviewed with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office,” said the Woodstock Police Department.

Three Class 3 felony charges of threatening a public official were approved by the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Following his arrest, Smith was transferred to the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility to await his first court appearance.