Editor’s note: This press release includes additional information than the original post. Suspects Castro and Hemminger turned themselves into the Sheriff’s Office on July 3.
The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update on Operation Triple Strike: one in custody, two wanted for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm.
Baraka D. Boards, 22, of Rock Falls, IL, is currently in custody at the Whiteside County Jail. He faces multiple charges, the most serious being Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Building. Boards had left the residence prior to Police arriving and was taken into custody when he returned, while Police were serving the Search Warrant.
Today [July 2, 2025,] two Arrest Warrants were issued for two additional individuals:
• Emilio Castro, 18 Rock Falls–wanted for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Building
• Ethon T. Hemmiger, 18 Rock Falls–wanted for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Building.
Operation Triple Strike is an ongoing initiative to combat gun violence and keep our communities safe.
Sheriff John F. Booker stated, “We’re sending a clear message–gun violence will not be tolerated in Whiteside County. We will find you, and we will bring you to justice.”
These are merely charges at this stage. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
