MATTOON, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The following has been released by the Mattoon Police Department.
October 9, 2018
- Mattoon Police arrested 24 year old Jessica S. Pettyjohn, and 31 year old Joshua A. Mason, both of Mattoon, in regards to a domestic violence incident. Both were arrested on 10/09/2018, Ms. Pettyjohn at 9:30am, and Mr. Mason at 4:45pm. Ms. Pettyjohn was charged with Aggravated Domestic Batery, and Mr. Mason was charged with Violation of a Bail Bond and Obstructing Justice. The charges allege that during the early morning hours of 10/09/2018, while in the 400 block of Illinois Ave in Mattoon, and during a domestic disturbance, Ms. Pettyjohn used a kitchen knife and stabbed Mr. Mason causing bodily harm. The charges also alleges Mr. Mason was not supposed to have been at the residence in the 400 block of Illinois where the incident occurred, due to a previous court order. During the course of police investigating the matter, Mr. Mason also allegedly obstructed justice by way of destroying evidence of the domestic violence situation that would have been documented on his cell phone. Both Ms. Pettyjohn and Mr. Mason were taken to the Coles County Jail.
- Mattoon Police arrested 34 year old George H. Ortiz, and 48 year old Uthman S. Muhammad, both of Decatur, IL, for the offense of Burglary. Mr. Ortiz was additionally charged with Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing Justice. The arrest of both subjects occurred on 10/09/2018 at 5:35pm in the 7000 block of W. County Club Road in Mattoon. The charges allege that on 10/09/2018, both Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Muhammad entered All About Eyes located at 1001 Charleston for the purpose of stealing designer sunglasses. After having stolen the sunglasses, employees located the theft on video surveillance and provided it to police, however Mr. Muhamad and Mr. Ortiz had just left the store in a vehicle at that point. The additional charges against Mr. Ortiz allege he was the driver of the motor vehicle he and Mr. Muhammad left the store in, and when police attempted to stop them a short distance from the store, Mr. Ortiz fled from police in the vehicle. A short pursuit ensued before Mr. Ortiz drove his vehicle off road in the 7000 block of W. Country Club Road, at which point he allegedly exited the vehicle and ran from police on foot, while Mr. Muhammad remained at the vehicle. After a short foot pursuit, Mr. Ortiz was apprehended by police, however allegedly continued to resist the officer during the arrest. Mr. Ortiz also originally provided police with a false name. Both Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Muhammad were taken to the Coles County Jail.
Pictured: George Ortiz and Uthman S. Muhammad. Photos courtesy if the Mattoon Police Department.
-ALL PERSONS LISTED ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN THE COURT OF LAW-