Man Arrested After Alleged Attempted Murder of Female Store Clerk in Brutal Woodstock Gas Station Attack

Police announced that a man is in custody on attempted murder charges after allegedly admitting to trying to kill a female gas station clerk during a violent, unprovoked attack in Woodstock that left the victim seriously injured.

The Woodstock Police Department responded at approximately 10:13 a.m. Wednesday to the Shell gas station at 110 North Eastwood Drive following a report of an assault in progress.

Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb said officers were informed that the on-duty clerk had been struck multiple times by an unknown suspect inside the retail store. Upon arrival, officers located the injured victim and immediately requested assistance from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.

The woman sustained significant injuries as a result of the attack, Lieb said.

Officers were able to obtain a statement from the victim and collect additional evidence, including security camera footage. Based on the information gathered, a physical description of the suspect was developed, leading investigators to identify Austin Silverman, 29, of Woodstock, as the alleged offender.

Silverman was later located and taken into custody without incident.

Due to the severity of the incident, the Woodstock Police Department’s Investigations Division assumed responsibility for the case, Lieb said. Investigators reviewed the evidence with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery in a public place, and criminal damage to property.

According to a criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court, Silverman is accused of “maliciously” attacking the victim by repeatedly punching her in the head and face. The complaint further alleges that he kicked and stomped the victim multiple times, threw her into a wall, repeatedly slammed her head against the wall, and struck her with a wooden club.

The complaint also states that Silverman pressed the wooden club against the victim’s neck and continued striking her in the head with additional punches.

Lieb said there was no apparent motive for the attack, which authorities described as unprovoked. The complaint further alleges that Silverman stated he intended to kill the victim.

Silverman was transported to the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock and is scheduled to appear for his initial court appearance on Friday afternoon.