Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- At approximately 5:54 P.M. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Effingham City Police were notified of an Armed Robbery in progress at Walgreen’s, 1200 W. Fayette Avenue, Effingham. With the assistance of eyewitnesses and citizens, responding officers immediately located the suspect, later identified as Hadley R. Majors, 36, Effingham, in Walgreen’s parking lot. After a brief foot pursuit, Majors entered his vehicle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Officers located Majors’ vehicle minutes later, which had crashed at the intersection of US Highway 40 and Outer Belt West. Majors again fled on foot over the railroad tracks in front of a moving train and ran into the woods. Shortly after, he surrendered to officers and was taken into custody without further incident. Majors was allegedly armed with a knife during the robbery which was recovered after his arrest.
Majors was taken to HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospital by officers as a precaution after refusing treatment by Rural Med EMS at the scene; he was cleared medically and subsequently booked into Effingham County Jail on the following charges:
- Armed Robbery; Class X Felony (Conviction carries a sentence of 6-30 years in prison)
- Aggravated Battery with Deadly Weapon other than Firearm; Class 3 Felony
- Possession of a Controlled Substance; Class 4 Felony
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer; Class A Misdemeanor
Majors is being held at Effingham County Jail with no bond and will tentatively have his first court appearance on Friday, August 9, 2024 to determine if he meets the criteria for further detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act.
Effingham County Sheriff’s Office assisted Effingham Police during this response. No injuries were reported during the incident. The investigation is on-going and no further information will be released at this time.
Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland commended the swift action of all officers and deputies involved, noting, “This incident ended within minutes, with no injuries to any victims, bystanders, or officers, thanks in part to the rapid response of City Officers and County Deputies who immediately remediated the situation by taking the suspect safely into custody. We train together for these situations and as a result this incident was managed both professionally and promptly.” McFarland went on to praise witnesses for their actions. “Our response was greatly enhanced because of individuals who were willing to observe and relay information immediately to responding officers. This ‘eyes-on, hands-off’ approach these witnesses took is a prime example of our citizens working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to keep our community safe.”
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.
Comments