Violent crime sting nets 30 felony charges, 12 gun seizures in metro east
.jpg "An Illinois State Police sweep of violent crime in St. Clair and Madison counties last week netted 20 arrests and 42 criminal charges, according to a release.")
An Illinois State Police sweep of violent crime in St. Clair and Madison counties last week netted 20 arrests and 42 criminal charges, according to a release.
The operation targeted high-crime areas and violent offenders through an unspecified use of technology and intelligence, the release stated.
Among the charges were 30 felonies, 19 of which were firearms related. At least 12 weapons were seized, according to police.
The operation was carried out April 8 and 9.
In one case April 8, troopers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near Falling Springs Road and Nickel Road in Cahokia Heights. Police said a probable-cause search turned up a firearm and suspected cannabis.
The driver and passenger were interviewed, and charges are pending, police said.
In another case April 9, troopers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near 60th Street and State Street in East St. Louis. Police said a probable-cause search found a firearm, suspected cannabis and drug paraphernalia. The driver was interviewed, and charges are pending, police said.
State police said personnel from around Illinois assisted the Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement South unit, including Troop 8 patrol, Fatal 4 South, the Zone 6 Firearms Investigations Unit, the Public Safety Enforcement Group, Crime Scene Services, the agency’s SWAT team and Air Operations. The FBI and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois also provided support, police said.
State police said they will continue using resources including air operations, technology, forensic services, investigators, increased patrols and information sharing to combat violent crime.
Similar Illinois State Police stings dating back to June 2023 have, in total, netted 690 arrests and 326 gun seizures.
