Police News
Gillespie man injured in Mt. Clare motorcycle accident
An accident Sunday afternoon, August 28, in Mt. Clare at the intersection of South Hardroad and West Central between a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle leaves the driver of the motorcycle with only minor injuries.
Randy Myers, 50 of Gillespie, was traveling north on a 2000 AMF motorcycle when Tonya Milhime, 39 of Benld, pulled out from West Central onto South Hardroad in the path of Myers. According to Macoupin County Sheriff Chief Deputy Quinn Reiher, Myers was following a vehicle who was turning right onto West Cental and Milhime reportedly waited for the vehicle to turn and then drove onto South Hardroad.
Chief Deputy Reiher told The BenGil Post that Milhime told police she saw the motorcycle approaching, but thought it was turning on West Central as well. The accident happened around 12:45 p.m. at the intersection that’s near Randy’s Market and the Magic Wand Car Wash.
Milhime received a citation for no insurance and Myers’ motorcycle had to be towed from the scene.
The accident is still under investigation by the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Kentucky Street in Benld. Dawson J. Clark, 18 of Benld, was issued citations for improper lane usage and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to illegal dumping.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Frey Street in reference to a theft.
An officer made contact with a male at East Maple Street and Adams Street. Jonathan A. Graves, 33 of Wilsonville, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Mt. Clare. Uzziel C. Stennis, 27 of East Alton, was issued citations for driving while license is suspended and speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 1st Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to Central Ave and 8th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Montgomery Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
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An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a fight that took place in the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld.
Edward T. Parker, 31 of St. Louis, Missouri, was arrested at Laura Street and Chestnut Street on a warrant out of Pontoon Beach for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Western Street in reference to illegal burning.
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass. Jacob D. Ruyle, 20 of Benld, was issued a citation for unlawful burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Street in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of First Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a car fire.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
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An officer initiated a traffic stop at Montgomery and Walnut Street. Alex L. Dyer, 19 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and improper lane usage.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a subject still outside the business drinking after hours.
An officer on normal patrol was out at Pomatto Park with a subject and advised him the park was closed after dark.
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An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Staunton Road in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Lake in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Easton Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to theft.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to suspicious circumstances in the 800 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a medical assist.
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Staunton Road in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Dennis N. Rhodes, 74 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for driving on a cancelled driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to fireworks.
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An officer was dispatched to Jersey Street in reference to fireworks being shot off in the street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Abba Street in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was out on Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to disorderly conduct.
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of N 7th Street in Benld in reference to a missing child; she was later found.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Baker in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Rain Street and Carney Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a vehicle versus fireworks issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. A 17-year-old male from Staunton was issued a citation for possession of alcoholic liquor, and a 16-year-old male from Staunton was issued a citation for consumption of alcoholic liquor under 21.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Oak Street. Joshua D. Ware, 20 of Trenton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to fireworks.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 and Route 4 in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Gillespie Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 400 block of West Chestnut Street.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2025
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Lake in reference to suspicious behavior and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to domestic battery. Michael L. Ridenhour, 45 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery and aggravated battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Mt. Clare. Che D. Dugan, 34 of Chesterfield, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear on possession of a controlled substance. She was also issued citations for obstructing identification, improper use of registration, operating uninsured vehicle, no driver’s license on her person, and expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Easton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to West Elm Street and Francis Street in reference to illegal burning.
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a residential burglary.
An officer was out at the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld on Trolley Street in reference to juvenile issues.
Kelly E. Lyons, 59 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Short Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
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An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of West Pine Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Dontae J. Fisher, 35 of Gillespie was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for driving with a suspended driver’s license.
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An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Block of Broadway Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Francis Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Trolley Street in Benld. Brayden D. Parker, 21 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery. Megan C. Bourland, 19 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to downed power lines.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a no-contact order.
An officer was dispatched to South Main in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a possible theft of a motorcycle; it was later located.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Walnut Street and Francis Street. Dylan C. Frensko, 26 of Gillespie, was issued citations for improper lane usage and failure to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Adams Street and Elm Street. Philip D. White, 23 of Litchfield, was issued a citation for suspended registration for mandatory insurance violation.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Frey Street in reference to a civil standby.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop on Shelby Street. Asa M. Proctor, 46 of Gillespie, was issued citations for no valid driver’s license, driving while license revoked, possession of methamphetamine over 5g under 15g, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also had a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to animal cruelty. Animal control was contacted.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to animal neglect. Animal control was contacted.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Jacob D. Ruyle, 20 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to Wilson Street and Osie Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street to do a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to Rose Street in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to speak with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a no-contact order in the 200 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a medical assist.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
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Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison announced that Dennis Roeske, 33, of Gillespie, was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for methamphetamine delivery, a class X felony. This marks the second consecutive week in which Judge Joshua A. Meyer has ordered a ten-year sentence in the county.
The case stemmed from an incident on July 19, 2024, in Staunton. Roeske was stopped by Sgt. Justin Frankford for not having a front license plate and for speeding. During the traffic stop, Roeske threw a bag from his vehicle, which was later recovered by authorities. The substance inside was analyzed and found to include nearly 30 grams of methamphetamine and 6 grams of fentanyl. Investigations revealed that Roeske had traveled to Missouri to purchase the drugs, which he admitted he intended to sell in Macoupin County.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Meyer emphasized the broader impact of Roeske’s actions, noting that such crimes harm not only the individual but also their families, friends, and the community at large by fueling addiction and criminal activity. The judge stressed the importance of deterring such offenses to protect the community.
Garrison commended the law enforcement agencies involved, stating, “The work of law enforcement in Macoupin County has resulted in approximately 60 cases sent to prison this year. I especially want to thank Sgt. Frankford and the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force for their continued efforts in combating the flow of meth in our county.”
