Illinois State Police announce results of violent crime suppression detail in Metro East
By Tribune Staff • Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail in St. Clair and Madison counties on July 8-9, 2026, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. The operation utilized intelligence and technology to focus enforcement efforts on known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East.
| Detail Results | |
| Arrests | 13 |
| Total Criminal Charges | 18 |
| Felony Charges | 15 |
| Firearm Related Charges | 10 |
| Firearms Seized/Recovered | 7 |
| Cannabis Seized | 2 grams |
| Controlled Substance Seized | 6 grams |
There were some notable arrests during the detail:
On July 8, 2026, a trooper patrolling near MLK Drive and 5th Street in East St. Louis observed a vehicle committing an IVC violation and conducted a traffic stop. During a probable cause search, troopers recovered a loaded firearm. Charges are pending.
On July 9, 2026, troopers patrolling near Illinois 111 and Lake Drive in East St. Louis observed a vehicle committing an IVC violation and conducted a traffic stop. During a probable cause search, troopers recovered a loaded firearm. Charges are pending.
On July 9, 2026, troopers patrolling near the 300th Block of North 69th Street in East St. Louis observed a vehicle committing an IVC violation and conducted a traffic stop. Two suspects fled on foot. During an area search, troopers recovered two loaded firearms, both equipped with machine gun conversion devices and suspected cocaine believed to be related to the traffic stop. Charges are pending.
ISP officers from Fatal 4 South, Zone 6 Firearms Investigations Unit, Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), Crime Scene Services, ISP SWAT, and ISP Air Operations, assisted ISP Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) South with this operation. 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 charge(s) is/are not evidence against the defendant(s), and the defendant(s) is/are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
