Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- At approximately 1:50 a.m. on July 24, 2026, officers with the Effingham Police Department responded to a report of shots fired outside a residence in the 300th block of North 3rd Street. Upon arriving at the scene, officers learned the occupants of the targeted vehicle had already left the area and were at the Effingham Police Department. Officers immediately secured the scene on 3rd Street, identified potential witnesses, and began collecting statements as part of the initial investigation.
Officers located evidence indicating that a single round had been fired from a handgun at a vehicle occupied by one adult and two teenaged juveniles. Fortunately, none of the occupants were struck during the incident.
Officers identified a suspect as Jalen N. Herschberger, 18, Effingham. Herschberger was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Effingham County Jail where she was remanded into the custody of jail staff pending further court proceedings.
Probable cause was found by the Honorable Judge Ericka Sanders to detain Herschberger pending the filing of formal charges and a detention hearing on Monday, July 27, 2026, to determine whether continued pretrial detention is warranted under the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act.
Herschberger is being held pending proceedings on the following charges:
- Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony)
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Class A Misdemeanor)
If convicted, the Class 1 Felony offense carries a sentencing range of 4 to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and a fine of up to $25,000.
“Purposefully discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle is an extraordinarily dangerous and reckless act that has no place in our community,” said Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis. “We are grateful that no one was injured, and I commend our officers for their swift response and outstanding investigative work that led to this arrest. Their quick action helped ensure the safety of our community and demonstrates our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. Firearms carry an immense responsibility, and those who choose to use them to threaten or endanger others will be pursued aggressively. We have zero tolerance for this type of violent behavior, and we will continue working tirelessly to protect our residents.”
During this incident, Effingham Police were assisted by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Deputies as well as Illinois State Police Troopers.
Investigators have determined the incident was targeted in nature and that there is no ongoing threat to the general public. Detectives from the Effingham Police Department continue to investigate the incident. As the investigation remains active, no further information will be released at this time.
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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