Prophetstown man accused of shooting, hitting occupied vehicle

MORRISON – A Prophetstown man is charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, accused of shooting at three people in a pickup truck Saturday morning in rural Fenton.

Deputies responded about 12:20 a.m. to the area of Black and Henry roads to a report of several shots fired at a vehicle, Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker said in a news release Friday.

Cody M. Emery, 34, was arrested shortly afterward in Prophetstown, Booker said in a phone interview.

Deputies were able to locate Emery by the description of his vehicle, given by those who were shot at. They were not injured, but their vehicle was hit, Booker said.

Emery and his private attorney, James Mertes of Sterling, made an initial appearance in weekend court, where bond was set at $150,000.

He posted $15,000 Saturday and was released; his preliminary hearing is Dec. 20.

Three additional counts, all of misdemeanor disorderly conduct, that also were filed Saturday were dropped Thursday, court records show.

Aggravated discharge of a firearm carries 4 to 15 years in prison.