Illinois State Police nab 34 suspects in latest metro-east operation

For at least the 12th time since June 2023, Illinois State Police have led a multi-day operation targeting “known high crime areas” in East St. Louis and neighboring communities in St. Clair and Madison counties.

The latest sweep occurred Monday to Wednesday when 34 people were arrested. Nearly 40 Illinois State Police officers from around the state as well as the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois participated in the crackdown, according to a news release.

Forty-six felony charges were filed, eight guns were seized and three stolen vehicles were recovered.

The names of those charged were not listed in the news release.

In one case, a motorist fled police during a traffic stop on Monday. When the motorist was located a short time later, the vehicle rammed an Illinois State Police squad car and the driver fled again, the release stated. This suspect then crashed and began to run away but was caught by state troopers.

“It was determined the vehicle was stolen,” the release stated. “A firearm was also recovered.”

A search of a vehicle on Tuesday yielded a loaded firearm with an extended magazine, suspected Oxycodone, which is a pain killer, and about 14 ounces of cannabis, according to the release. One person was arrested in this case.

With the arrests this week, the total number of arrests stands at 436 since June 2023, according to a Belleville News-Democrat review of state police announcements.

“ISP will continue to use all available resources, including air operations, technology, forensic services, investigators, increase patrols and information sharing to combat violent crime,” the news release states.