Community News
Gillespie Police Report: September 11-17, 2022
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
An officer was dispatched to Carney Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to criminal damage to state-supported property.
An officer was dispatched to East Oak Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody arrangements.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2022
An officer was dispatched to Cahokia Street and Maple Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle. A Gillespie police officer arrested Mark N. Crites, 23, of Springfield who was wanted in connection to a double homicide investigation in Sangamon County.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Western Street in reference to a battery. A 15-year-old male was arrested for battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to electronic media harassment.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Nicholas C. Flournoy, 22, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Mt. Clare. Amy R. Baker, 44, of Wilsonville was issued citations for speeding and expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Oregon Street. Tina R. Thompson, 42, of Vandalia was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Francis Street in reference to a complaint of construction workers.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to concerns she has about a neighbor.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog at large.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic battery. Jennifer L. Pickett, 40, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dangerous dog.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a residential burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an ordinance issue with tall grass, weeds, and unlawful garbage/debris.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to an ordinance issue of unlawful garbage and debris.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Locust Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property. A 15-year-old male was arrested on a Macoupin juvenile warrant for battery. The juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention center.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a loud noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to animal neglect.
An officer was dispatched to East Oak Street and Adams Street in reference to battery. Syleste V. Halpin, 24, Carlinville was arrested for battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
An officer was dispatched to 300 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a mental subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to a juvenile disturbance.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
Jason A. Keffer, 45, of Gillespie was arrested on warrants out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense and a Montgomery County warrant for driving while license are suspended. He was also issued citations for driving while license is suspended and unlawful display of registration no authorized to such vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer assisted the Metro East Sheriff Department in the Auto Theft Division in locating a vehicle.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2022
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a hit-and-run traffic crash. Kerry S. Bell, 56, of Gillespie was issued citations for driving while license was revoked, motor vehicle accident involving damage to vehicle, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 900 block of South First Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street to pick up an item that was found.
An officer met with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft from a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of South Street and Fillmore Street in reference to an item that was found in the roadway.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 1st Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Oregon Street and the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to juvenile issues and noise complaints.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Trey W. Fenton, 34 of Mount Olive, is charged with residential burglary, burglary without causing damage, and criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a November 3 incident.
Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, is charged with two counts of aggravated DUI/license suspended or revoked, DUI/BAC 0.08, DUI, driving on a suspended license, driving 21-25 mph above the limit, expired registration, disregarding a stop sign, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
John M. Molinar, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 2 incident.
TRAFFIC
Robert M. Keffer, 38 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Haidyn D. Branson, 25 of Hettick, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Asa M. Proctor, 47 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Rodjai A. Johnson, 21 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
Amber L. Burgess, 45 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 23 incident.
Shane C. Chance, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Jerry J. Wilson, 77 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shannon J. Ward, 44 of Modesto, is charged with improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an October 28 incident.
Blake D. Roberts, 28 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful use of cannabis/driver, and display plate attachment in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shota Gagelidze, 44 of Downers Grover, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 1 incident.
Christopher P. Smith, 39 of Chesterfield, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Chad C. Baumann, 54 of Chicago, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
David A. Rithe, 44 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license, driver failing to give notice of a crash, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to reduce speed in connection with an October 29 incident.
Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 29 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Rocky Lyle Smith versus Rebecca Lee Smith
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Tyler Luke Semplowski of Peoria and Margaret Anne Moore of Gillespie
- Craig Charles Wicker and Cheryl A. Scroggins, both of Staunton
- Jacob William Feeley and Kaitlin Marie Moore, both of Plainview
- Peyton Scott Hudspeth and Macy Danielle Rhodes, both of Divernon
- Cody Stephen Bradley and Savannah Michelle Norris, both of Auburn
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025
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 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to an animal call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld. Mandy V. Aldridge, 44 of Benld, was issued a citation for driving a vehicle with suspended registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. Stormee M. Lyons, 32 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating a vehicle while using an electronic device.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Lincoln Street and Edgar Street in Eagarville. Tony L. Law, 58 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle, no valid driver’s license, and expired registration.
An Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was out with a vehicle in the 300 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was out with a subject in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Frey Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a juvenile at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a dispute in the 500 block of West Baker Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Broadway Street. Seth E. Bruhn, 45 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating a vehicle with expired registration.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a domestic battery in the 400 block of South Kentucky Street in Benld. Devon W. Pulley, 18 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint. Kussandra D. Hildebrand, 30 of Benld, was issued a citation for a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Crystal D. Bryant, 37 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Calcari Street in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to criminal trespass. Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for theft, and she was also issued a citation for criminal trespass.
An officer dispatched to Cedar Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Route 138 in Mt. Clare in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to Henry Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Alec T. Laughlin, 20 of Livingston, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a motorist assist.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of South Second Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to take a report of fraud in the 600 block of West Oak Street.
An officer was out in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Jackeline K. Hernandez-Montufar, 24 of Beardstown, was issued citations for no valid driver’s license and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle in their driveway.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Route 138 by Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Madison Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was out on 5th Street and Locust Street in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was out on the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
