Public Statement 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

01/02/2026

On January 1, 2026, a radio transmission indicated a call about an intoxicated male pointing a gun at people. Another male intervened and successfully wrestled the gun away from the suspect, who then attempted to flee the scene. When deputies arrived, they saw that a dog had been struck, prompting immediate contact with animal control for emergency veterinary assistance.

One male was detained at approximately 2:00 AM, and the suspect was transported at 2:16 AM. The suspect, Johnny M. Coats, 20, of Cuba, was arrested on multiple charges. Charges according to the booking record include, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Violating Criteria for Unsafe Pneumatic Tires, Possession of Adult Use Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle Outside an Approved Container, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Reckless Driving with Willful or Wanton Disregard for Safety, Disorderly Conduct for Breach of the Peace, Assault, Possession of Ammunition Without a Valid FOID Card, Acquire/Possession of a Firearm, Stun Gun, or Taser Without a FOID Card, and Criminal Damage to Property.

UPDATE 01/03/2026 - Judici shows 2 counts of "Stalking - Fear For Safety." Defendant has been denied pretrial release.

UPDATE 01/06/2026 - Judici shows all charges listed in this post, plus two additional charges for “Leaving the scene” and “Failure to reduce speed,” both of which could be related to a call regarding him earlier that day.

UPDATE 01/09/2026 - In accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), we have requested the digital photograph of Johnny Coats. We have received the photograph, and it has been added to the following posts.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ACPp4piD4/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BtNn9swJ7/

Johnny is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

We are NOT affiliated with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office and or any law enforcement agency.

Details are preliminary and subject to change as more information becomes available