A Woodstock man is being held in the McHenry County Jail after prosecutors say he "maliciously attacked" a gas station clerk on Wednesday morning, leaving her hospitalized and him facing attempted murder charges. The incident unfolded at the Shell station on Eastwood Drive, where officials say the woman working behind the counter suffered serious injuries to her face, ribs and arms. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Austin Silverman of Woodstock, appeared in court Friday and was ordered to remain in custody while the case moves forward.
Attack described in criminal complaint
According to a criminal complaint detailed by Shaw Local, Silverman walked into the station asking for a job application and allegedly became enraged when the clerk told him the store was not hiring. Prosecutors say he then went behind the counter and attacked her for more than two minutes, punching and kicking her, slamming her head into a wall several times and striking her with a wooden club she had tried to use to defend herself. The complaint also says he pressed the club against her neck during the assault.
Police: suspect tried to ignite pump and return
After the beating, McHenry County officials say, Silverman walked out of the store, smoked a cigarette in the parking lot and then allegedly put it out in a gas pump in what authorities describe as an attempt to blow up the station. He then tried to go back inside. Investigators say surveillance footage captured the events, helping officers quickly identify Silverman and arrest him a short time later. Prosecutors say the interior of the station showed significant damage, including shattered glass shelving and destroyed merchandise. The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the evidence and presented it in court.
Judge grants petition to detain
At a detention hearing on Friday, Judge Cynthia Lamb granted prosecutors' request to deny pretrial release, ruling that there were no conditions that would adequately protect the public if Silverman were released. McHenry County State's Attorney Randi Freese described the case in court as "a brutal, heinous, and unprovoked attack on a defenseless woman" and said the defendant will remain behind bars as the case proceeds. According to the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office, Silverman's next court date is set for Jan. 7.
Charges and what they carry
Woodstock police say Silverman has been charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder, along with aggravated battery and criminal damage. Local reporting notes that the attempted murder count is a Class X felony. FOX 32 Chicago reported on the charges and the initial court proceedings. If convicted of a Class X felony, Silverman could face between six and thirty years in prison, according to Shaw Local.
Victim status and community notes
Prosecutors told the court that the victim remains hospitalized and is receiving ongoing treatment, including for an arm in which she has lost feeling, according to local reports. Police have publicly praised the rapid collection of evidence in the case and urged anyone with additional information to contact the department as the investigation continues toward trial. For now, the defendant remains in custody while courts and prosecutors press ahead, with follow-up hearings scheduled for next week, according to ABC7 Chicago.
