On Sunday, December 28th at approximately 9:07 p.m., Dixon Police Officers responded to the 400 block of Crawford Avenue after a report of a male subject
being stabbed with a knife. Upon arrival, officers made entry into the residence and located two individuals, one being the homeowner and the other male
identified as Joseph A. Willwerth.
Officers were able to take control of the scene and requested assistance from Dixon City Fire paramedics to treat both individuals for injuries. The home owner sustained injuries to his hands and Willwerth was transported to OSF for treatment for injuries and later released.
After further investigation, Willwerth, age 65 of Dixon, was arrested on December 31st, 2025 and charged with: Attempted Murder and Home Invasion, both being Class X Felonies, Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, a Class 3 Felony, Aggravated Battery, a Class 3 Felony, Criminal Trespass to Residence, a Class 4 Felony, Reckless Conduct, a Class 4 Felony, Unlawful Use of Weapons, a Class A Misdemeanor.
During the investigation, officers and detectives determined this was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public.
Chief Bivins would like to remind citizens to report any suspicious activity to the Dixon Police Department at 288-4411 or to Crimestoppers at 1-888-Caught-U (1- 888-228-4488). Callers do not have to leave their names and are eligible for rewards of up to $1,000.00 with information leading to an arrest.
The charges are merely an allegation and all parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.