Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- An Effingham man was successfully taken into custody by officers after he barricaded himself in a residence in the 200th block of N. 4th Street on Sunday evening. The initial incident was reported to Effingham Police at approximately 5:01 P.M. as an assault involving a machete.
Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim with minor injuries. Officers were then made aware that the suspect had retreated to the basement of the residence, and that one minor wasstill located on the main floor. Officers were able to make entry to the residence and bring the minor to safety.
Ultimately, officers were able to make verbal contact with the suspect, later identified as William R. Allen, 39, Effingham. He refused multiple requests to come out of the basement. Due to Allen barricading himself inside the residence, other law enforcement agencies arrived to assist, including the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) Special Response Team (SRT). A search warrant was obtained to gain access to the dwelling. Approximately two hours after the incident started, but prior to executing the search warrant, Allen agreed to comply with commands and surrendered without incident.
Allen was transported to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital for an evaluation and then booked into to Effingham County Jail. An initial court appearance was held today to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act on the following charges:
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon – Class 3 Felony
- Domestic Battery with Previous Conviction(s) – Class 4 Felony
- Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer – Class A Misdemeanor
Upon conviction, a Class 3 Felony conviction carries 2 – 5 years in the Department of Corrections with up to $25,000 in fines.
During today’s hearing, probable cause for detention was found and Allen was denied pre-trial release. The Court found proof that Allen committed a detainable offense and that he poses a specific threat to both the victim as well as the community in general, as he has multiple convictions for domestic battery. In addition, the Court found that Allen would be highly unlikely to follow any pre-trial conditions order due to the fact he committed these alleged offenses while on probation for a felony in Coles County and on pre-trial release on a felony charge in Sangamon County. Allen has been remanded to the custody of Effingham County Jail, pending trial.
Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis praised the patience, discipline, and unified response, stating, “I want to commend the officers, deputies, negotiators, and emergency personnel whose coordinated efforts led to the safe resolution of this incident. Situations like these highlight the importance of strong interagency partnerships and a commitment to protecting lives. Because of the professionalism and teamwork, the neighborhood was secured, the subject was safely taken into custody, and no injuries were reported.”
During this incident, Effingham Police were assisted by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, ILEAS SRT, Effingham County States Attorney’s Office, Rural Med EMS, and Effingham Fire Department.
The victim declined medical treatment at the scene. As a result, the individual’s current medical condition is unknown. Consistent with privacy considerations, no additional medical information will be released.
No additional information will be released at this time as Effingham Police Detectives are furthering the investigation.
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.
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