Effingham County, IL-(Effingham Radio)- A rural-Effingham man is in custody following a brief standoff at a residence in rural Effingham County which caused disruption to traffic on US Route 45 on Thursday evening.
Willis J. Hewkin, age 40 of rural-Effingham, was taken into custody following a brief standoff during a police call for service to his residence. On 12/21/2023 at 2:53 PM the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 complaint of a stolen vehicle located at 1270 N US Highway 45. The owner of the stolen vehicle attempted to retrieve her vehicle from the address when the occupants of the residence threatened her life and, allegedly, presented a firearm. The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State Police and the Effingham Police Department, responded to the residence and established a perimeter. Responding units began hailing the occupants of the residence and an adult female and fourteen (14) year old juvenile surrendered immediately. Hewkin remained inside the residence for approximately thirty (30) minutes before he surrendered, peacefully, to Sheriff’s deputies. During a search of the stolen motor vehicle, three (3) deceased wild turkeys were located in the trunk. No firearms were located at the residence. Hewkin was transported to the Effingham County Jail and detained on charges of Possession of a Stolen/Converted Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Assault and Unlawful Possession of Wild Turkeys. Hewkin is expected to appear in Effingham County Circuit Court on December 22, 2023 for a hearing on his detention and/or possible release.
US Highway 45 near the Clay County line was closed for approximately forty-five minutes while law enforcement mitigated the brief standoff; the highway was reopened at 3:30 PM.
This case has been referred to the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution. As with anyone charged with an offense, Hewkin is presumed innocent, until proven guilty, in a court of law.
Comments