Update: Chicago man charged after threatening woman; causing brief shutdown of Lincoln Highway

DeKALB - A Chicago man has been charged with threats involving a gun, an incident which forced DeKalb police to shut down a portion of Lincoln Highway downtown Friday afternoon.

Malcolm Cobb, of Chicago, was charged with stalking, aggravated assault and disorderly conduct following the incident, said Police Cmdr. Steve Lekkas.

Lekkas said the police department was actually contacted Thursday by the woman, who feared Cobb was traveling up from Chicago and would harm her. The next day, he showed up.

"He was really combative verbally, threatening that he had a gun," Lekkas said. "Officers were able to search his backpack that he had."

Due to the nature of his threats, Lekkas said police closed off the 200 block of East Lincoln Highway as a precaution.

Lekkas said the search revealed no gun, and after about 20 minutes, police were able to convince Cobb to turn himself in and agree to a mental health evaluation.

Shortly after 1 p.m. Friday, the street was cleared and paramedics from the DeKalb Fire Department were on their way to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital so Cobb could undergo a behavioral health assessment.

He was then charged and taken to the DeKalb County Jail, where he awaits bond call at the DeKalb County court house Saturday.

"It was resolved fairly quickly," Lekkas said. "And our officers did a good job of gaining his compliance."