A man from Wisconsin has been arrested in connection with a 2024 hotel shooting in Arlington Heights, Illinois, which left a 26-year-old man in critical condition. The incident, which took place on November 1, 2024, happened around 11:30 p.m. inside the lobby of a local hotel.
Shooting Details and Initial Response
According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, officers were called to the scene after reports of gunfire inside the hotel. When they arrived, they found the victim unresponsive, with a gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency crews performed CPR and rushed the man to a trauma center, where he was revived. However, he remained in critical condition for a long time after the attack.
What Led to the Shooting?
Investigators believe the shooting started with a dispute between two groups staying in different rooms at the hotel. The argument continued outside the hotel, where one suspect reportedly retrieved a hidden firearm, returned to the scene, and fired at the victim, striking him in the chest. A nearby woman was also grazed by a bullet, but her injuries were not life-threatening.
Police were able to identify the suspect and vehicle using a combination of hotel surveillance footage, witness interviews, and license plate reader technology. These tools played a key role in tracking down the person responsible.
Arrest and Charges
On August 28, 2025, detectives from Arlington Heights arrested Jonathan E. Caston, a 22-year-old man from Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was taken into custody at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago, where he was present for a separate firearms-related case.
During police questioning, authorities say Caston admitted to his role in the shooting that took place in Arlington Heights. He now faces several serious charges, including:
Attempted murder
Aggravated battery by discharging a firearm
Aggravated discharge of a firearm
Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon
Current Status
Police said Caston remains in custody as he awaits further court proceedings. The investigation into the case is still ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out additional charges.
This arrest brings a major development in a case that left a young man critically injured and raised serious concerns about gun violence in public spaces like hotels. Police are reminding the public that violence stemming from personal disputes can escalate quickly and have tragic consequences.
