Police News
Police Activity: January 30-February 2
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2012
Officer took a report from a female who was receiving harassing telephone calls from another female. That female reported to the officer that she only called the complainant once.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012
Officer was called to the corner of Shelby and E. Chestnut where it was reported two females arguing in the road. When officer arrived, he talked to one of the females. The other had left the scene. While on the scene, the two females talked on the phone and resolved their differences. No charges were filed.
Officer was called to the 500 block of W. Osie where a female reported that someone had entered her garage and spray painted a sofa-sleeper. Also, someone broke a vase outside the door.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012
Christopher M. Watters, 31, Sawyerville was cited for driving while license suspended.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012
Officer took a report from a female who was receiving phone calls and text messages from her ex-boyfriend. The male was contacted and advised any further calls and she would press charges.
Debra J. Bellm, 51, Highland was cited for failure to yield at an intersection after being involved in an accident on Francis and W. Elm Sts.
Sarah R. Bell, 28, Taylorville was arrested for improper lane usage, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, illegal transportation of alcohol, no insurance, possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to Macoupin County jail.
Officer took a report from a male who had been kicked out of a business in the 100 block of N. Macoupin. The officer checked with the business and the male has been banned from there.
He was contacted later and told that neither he nor his son were to go back to the business or they would be arrested.
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A Macoupin County jury found Jeffrey D. Brown, 50, of Sawyerville guilty of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of Rodney Messerly, 42, also of Sawyerville, authorities said.
The verdict was delivered a little before 6 p.m. on November 4, 2025, after a days-long trial led by Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan J. Garrison. Brown now faces a mandatory prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years with the sentence to be served at 85 percent. The sentencing will take place on January 12, 2025.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the incident unfolded on September 17, 2024, when Brown called 911 claiming Messerly had entered his home. Responding deputies found Messerly deceased on the front stoop outside the residence. Brown testified that Messerly had forced his way into the home, and he fired in self-defense inside the residence.
Surveillance video played to the jury depicted portions of the confrontation: Messerly speaking with Brown at the door outside the residence before Messerly pushes inside—off-camera for a stretch—followed by four gunshots fired from within the home. Messerly is seen falling back onto the front steps.
A video interview of Brown with Lt. Ryan Dixon of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department revealed Brown stated he took three steps back inside the residence before firing the initial shots. Forensic pathologist Dr. Nathanial Patterson testified that the first four shots would have been fatal. Approximately seven seconds pass before Brown fires a final shot from inside the residence, striking Messerly in the chest as he yells an expletive.
Garrison offered condolences to Messerly’s family, calling the incident a “horrible situation” and noting that the healing process is just beginning for those affected. He described Messerly as having been experiencing delusions at the time of the incident and emphasized that the last shot was not in self-defense, characterizing it as an act of vengeance.
Brown faces additional charges in unrelated matters: Armed Violence (Class X felony) and Production of Cannabis Plants (Class 4) in 2024CF228, and Resisting Arrest Causing Injury to an Officer in 2024CF252.
Public sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2025. Prosecutors cautioned readers that charges are not proof of guilt and that Brown is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Litchfield Road in East Gillespie. Cheri L. Bagwell, 48 of Carlinville, was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, improper use of title, operating an uninsured vehicle, and operating a vehicle without valid registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a death investigation.
Skylar A. Stewart, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for methamphetamine delivery.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue that took place in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Olive Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Easton Street in reference to an ordinance issue. Richard D. Grove, 76 of Gillespie ,was issued a citation for nuisance prohibited-obstructed alleyway.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Summer J. Blevins, 24 of Gillespie, was issued citations for uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Burton Street and Fillmore Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Lucas I. Smith, 35, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Benld. Jessica M. Brackman, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Madison County warrant for fraud/bad checks. She was also issued a citation for expired registration.
Douglas D. Davis, 58 of Pekin, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked.
Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central in Benld, in reference to an animal complaint
An officer was out on North Main Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to reckless driving in the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to assisting Animal Control with a call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Walnut in Benld. Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer assisted the City Alderman at Gillespie Lake on a call in the 15000 block of Oak Ln.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery. James J. Hamilton, 19 of Brighton, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Joshua T. Reese, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Kyle T. Yate, 19 of Wood River, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to an altercation and a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jessica M. McCoy, 27 of Eagarville was issued a citation for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Mor Street in East Gillespie. Teresa C. Dickerson, 45 of Mt. Olive ,was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street to speak with a female in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a criminal trespass warning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 45 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a dog running at large.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Chestnut Street and 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to South Macoupin Street and West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An Officer was dispatched to 5th Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2025
Nicole D. Hancock, 37 of Benld, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear expired driver’s license, and a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for domestic battery.
John A. Crisel, 63 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for theft
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of 3rd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Elm Street in reference a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a suspicious persons.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to threats.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on Hickory St.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Kyle M. Ritchie, 33 of Mt. Olive, was issued citations for speeding and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Fillmore Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to Eagarville Road in Eagarville in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Ben-Gil Elementary in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
An officer was requested for extra patrol at a business in the 200 block of Springfield Road in Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to dogs at large.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Michelle A. Bakert, 58 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Felicia S. Kirkwood, 57 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Gage C. Braido, 22 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at West Elm and Francis Street. Joseph M. Christy, 52 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for expired registration.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
Walter L. Vester, 31 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear. He was also issued a citation for resisting/obstructing a Police Officer. Jakota M. Emery, 37 of Gillespie, was also issued a citation for resisting/obstructing a Police Officer.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to suspicious circumstances in the 1200 block of South Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Green Street to do a well-being check on an individual.
An officer was dispatched to West Burton Street and High Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Madison Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Central Street and Main Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Ashley E. Slaughter, 28 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to Skuba Lane in Eagarville in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 for a suspicious vehicle losing debris in the roadway.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 4th Street in Benld. Jyaire C. Bowens, 23 of Belleville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of North Hard Road in Benld.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Jersey Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property. Michael W. Reynolds, 47 of Chatham, was arrested a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for possession of Methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference juvenile issues.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Trolley in Benld. Michael J. Hedden, 38 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Charles Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Kyle T. Montgomery, 43 of Gillespie, was issued citations for speeding and for operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Anthony J. Lubrant, 36 of Benld, was issued a citation for operating an electronic communication while driving.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Mary V. Cavanaugh, 74 of Gillespie, was issued a citation operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a 911 call.
Thomas F. Ray, 45 of Staunton, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. Amy S. Odle, 51 of Greenville, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jakota M. Emery, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Glenn Carbon warrant for failure to appear for on retail theft.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Locust Street and North Main Street in Benld. Robert M. Keffer, 38 of Benld, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for resisting. Jason A. Keffer, 48 of East Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to Route 138 and Benld City Cemetery in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal complaint.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
