Alton police put pinch on parties — and nab mayor’s wife violating stay-at-home rule
Alton Mayor Brant Walker instructed his police department to push enforcement of Illinois’ stay-at-home orders a little bit harder, a measure he said was due to continued assembly of large groups at city parks and other places.
In the early morning hours Sunday, Alton police did as ordered, and caught caught the mayor’s wife at a party.
According to The Alton Telegraph, police broke up a crowd at Hiram’s Tavern, 213 W. 3rd St. at about 1 a.m. Sunday. Sharon Walker was among the revelers. Police Chief Jake Simmons told the newspaper that each person caught at the party will be charged with reckless conduct for violating Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Walker released a statement about the incident Monday, in which he said he told the chief not to spare his wife any of the consequences.
“My wife is an adult capable of making her own decisions, and in this instance, she exhibited a stunning lack of judgement (sic),” the statement says. “She now faces the same consequences for her ill-advised decision as the other individuals who chose to violate the ‘Stay At Home’ order during this incident.”
The mayor also offered an apology.
“I am embarrassed by this incident and apologize to the citizens of Alton for any embarrassment this incident may cause our City,” the statement said.
Statistics released by the state Monday show the number of positive cases of coronavirus has exceeded 200 in seven southwestern Illinois counties, including 56 in Madison County and 8 in the Alton’s 62002 ZIP code.
The full statement is as follows:
On Friday, due to the continued increase in cases of COVID-19 in Madison County, as well as increased reports of large gatherings, particularly in some of our city parks, I directed the Alton Police Department to more strictly enforce the Governor’s statewide “Stay At Home” order through the use of citations.
The Governor’s order states that “All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except for limited purposes permitted by this Executive Order.”
Walking and other exercise, as well as travel for essential needs, are permitted by the order as long as citizens adhere to CDC guidelines on social distancing.
At approximately 1am on Sunday morning, I was informed by the Police Chief that the Alton Police Department was investigating and stopping a social gathering in downtown Alton that was occurring in violation of the provisions of the statewide “Stay At Home” order.
I was also made aware that my wife was in attendance at this prohibited social gathering. I instructed the Police Chief to treat her as he would any citizen violating the “Stay At Home” order and to ensure that she received no special treatment.
My wife is an adult capable of making her own decisions, and in this instance, she exhibited a stunning lack of judgement. She now faces the same consequences for her ill-advised decision as the other individuals who chose to violate the “Stay At Home” order during this incident.
I am embarrassed by this incident and apologize to the citizens of Alton for any embarrassment this incident may cause our City.
My first and most important priority is the safety and well-being of the citizens of Alton. We are in the midst of a national public health crisis, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that your health is protected, including enforcing the Governor’s statewide “Stay At Home” order.
The overwhelming majority of our citizens and businesses are observing the restrictions of the “Stay At Home” order, and for that I am truly grateful. We must all do our part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 so that we can protect our health and ultimately resume our normal activities.
Furthermore, I encourage everyone to join me in thanking the members of our Police and Fire Departments who continue to work every day to protect us during this public health crisis.
I have never been more optimistic about Alton’s future, and by working together to flatten the curve of COVID-19, we will emerge from this public health crisis stronger and more vibrant than ever.