PITTSFIELD, Il.– Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Starman releases information about recent arrests:

On January 4, 2024, at approximately 7:00 P.M., Officers were dispatched to a domestic violence issue in the 300 black of Curtis Street in Pittsfield. It was reported that the suspect had pointed a rifle at family members during the altercation. It was additionally reported that the suspect stated he would shoot officers when they arrived. Officers responded to the area and observed the suspect loading guns and ammunition into a car. Chief Starman, Pike County Deputy Skyler Lambeth, and Deputy Steven Watkins with his police canine, approached the suspect when he got into his vehicle to leave, to prevent him from leaving and potentially causing violence in other locations. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. A loaded SKS style rifle and a shotgun was located in the passenger seat.

Law Enforcement arrested 33-year-old Victor B Stephens, of Pittsfield. Pike County State’s Attorney Walker Filbert has filed the following charges against Stephens:

 

1. Aggravated Domestic Battery

2. Two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

3. Six counts of Illegal Possession of a Firearm

4. Two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance

 

Mr. Filbert filed a motion to deny pretrial release. The Honorable Judge Burch granted the motion and Stephens is currently lodged in the Pike County Jail.

 

Mr. Stephens is currently on Parole for Domestic Assault and Illegal Possession of a Firearm.

 

Mr. Stephens, and all suspects, are innocent until proven guilty in court. This information is presented to the public based upon probable cause.

 

On January 5, 2024, at approximately 9:30 A.M., Officers were alerted about a possible intoxicated driver in a red Chevrolet Camero. The vehicle was located at Casey’s on East Washington Street. The vehicle was reported stolen from Jacksonville on January 5, 2024, at approximately 8:00 A.M. The driver resisted arrest but was taken into custody. The Pike County Sheriff’s Department responded to assist Pittsfield Officers.

 

During the investigation, it was learned that the suspect had been arrested by the Jacksonville Police Department for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle the night before. As per the Safe T Act requirements, officers transported the suspect to the Morgan County Jail, processed him, issued him a citation, and released him. Once released, the suspect allegedly stole the Camero from near the Morgan County Jail.

 

Officers arrested 25-year-old Jesse Austin, of Herrick, IL. Pike County State’s Attorney Walker Filbert has filed the following charged against Austin:

 

1) Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle

2) Obstructing Identification

3) Resisting a Peace Officer

 

Mr. Filbert has filed a petition with the court to deny pretrial release. At the time of this release, the hearing to determine if pretrial release is granted has not been conducted.

 

Mr. Austin, and all suspects, are innocent until proven guilty in court. This information is presented to the public based upon probable cause.