Police News
Traffic stop in Sawyerville ends in meth arrest
The scene from the traffic stop Thursday morning.
A traffic stop in Sawyerville led to one person being arrested after a weapon and less than 5 grams of methamphetamine were seized from the vehicle.
Kyle Paul
Benld Police Chief Jim Zirkelbach performed a traffic stop at Route 4 and Fisher Street last Thursday morning, July 16, on a red Ford Mustang after an ISPERN alert was issued for the vehicle. According to Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl, the ISPERN alert was issued after a caller suspected the driver was under the influence while traveling east on Route 138.
During the traffic stop, an officer from Gillespie Police Department, Wilsonville Police Department, Mt. Olive Police Department and a deputy from the Macoupin County Sheriffs Department were called to assist. After a search of the vehicle, less than 5 grams of meth was recovered in addition to a weapon.
Kyle Paul, 28, of Buffalo, Illinois was arrested and charged with possession of meth (class 3 felony) and possessing a firearm (class A misdemeanor). Paul was transported to Macoupin County Jail where bond was set at $20,000. The vehicle was towed by Alvie’s Towing Service of Carlinville and impounded.
Sheriff Kahl reported Paul bonded out on Saturday afternoon, July 18.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2015, at 3 p.m. with Judge Meyer.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and South Trolley Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a medical issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 2nd Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The school resource officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School Office in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping.
Douglas D. Davis, 59 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. A 16 year old male from Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Francis Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Gillespie Street.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Dorsey Road in Benld. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment in the 300 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a well-being check.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Lester W. Harvill, 56 of Benld, was arrested for improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
Catherine A. Brister, 50 of Staunton, was arrested on a Calhoun County warrant for failure to appear for violation of a court order.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment.
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 200 block of Stemmi Street in Wilsonville to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issue on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer spoke with an officer at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
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 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Osie Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
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 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Jersey Street. Amy L. Vollintine, 31 of Sorento, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Garage in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Daniel L. Harpole, 31 of Brighton, was issued a citation for speeding.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to an issue with a parent.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 600 block of West Osie Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld speaking with a male in reference to suspended registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
John E. Wenzel, 74 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer assisted Macoupin County Sheriff Department at South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road 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 an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Meadowlark Drive in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood issues.
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 100 block of Western Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Staunton Police Department.
An officer was dispatched to Francis Street and Plum Street in reference to traffic control.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to road rage.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henry Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 2000 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of Madison Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication in the 600 block of Henrietta Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street to assist an Alderwoman with an ordinance issue. Sebastian S. Nessl, 31 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for accumulation prohibited (garbage).
An officer was dispatched to Elm Street and Macoupin Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage done to his vehicle on Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to criminal trespass.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026
Lloyd B. Rogers, 47 of Benld, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the area of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out at a business in the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Maple Street. Brandon M. Dugan, 33, of Wilsonville, was given a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to fraud in the 500 block of East Elm Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Osie Street in reference to an ISPERN that the Illinois State Police had put out on a vehicle. The Gillespie Police Department stopped and held the vehicle until State Police could arrive.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment by telephone on Columby Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Lake in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer arrested Theodore H. Hopper, 54 of Gillespie, on a Collinsville warrant for fentanyl manufacturing or delivery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist and a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to North 8th Street in Benld in reference to subjects riding an off-road vehicle on the roadway.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Jordan D. Bishop, 22 of Wood River, was issued a citation for no valid driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on North 8th Street in Benld. The vehicle fled from the officer and was later located in a field on Washer Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to speak with a female in reference to a domestic dispute in the 500 block of North of 7th Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 8th Street and Maple Street in Benld. Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, was issued citations for improper use of registration and expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Wilson Street and Staunton Road in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer took a report of a motor vehicle theft in the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to South Street and High Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Central Avenue and 1st Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to Central Avenue and Rt. 4 in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to East Spruce Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a noise complaint.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
