The most recent deployment of Madison County’s Cross-River Crime Task Force resulted in the seizures of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and a modified AR-15.
The task force was deployed on March 8 in the western portion of the county, primarily on Illinois 143 and Illinois 3. The monitored area spanned from the Clark Bridge to the McKinley Bridge.
Task Force Commander and candidate for Madison County Coroner Nick Novacich said, “The latest deployment demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Though strategic operations and collaboration, we aim to disrupt criminal activities and address threats to public well-being.”
The task force was made up of officers from police agencies across the county, who conducted 35 traffic stops and two pedestrian stops. The officers used real-time data from Automated License Plate Readers in conjunction with saturation patrols to address the flow of crime into Madison County from across the Mississippi River in Missouri.
“The hard work of this Task Force benefits the entire county, helping to keep all of our neighborhoods safe,” said Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor. “It’s a collaborative, highly visible effort that uses cutting-edge tools to both prevent crime and fight crime. I’m proud of the contribution made to this Task Force by our deputies.”
During March’s deployment, the task force conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the confiscation of an AR-15 that had been modified to be concealable. The weapon also contained a fully-loaded, extended magazine containing full-metal jacket rounds. Officers also discovered approximately 14 grams of suspected heroin and 12 grams of suspected fentanyl. Two suspects were arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and armed violence.
Another individual was arrested for unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Officers seized approximately 204 grams of suspected crystal meth during the arrest.
After pursuing a fleeing vehicle, the officers also arrested an individual on charges of aggravated fleeing and unlawful use of a weapon and an individual on a charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. A .45-caliber handgun was seized during this arrest.
In another traffic stop, officers arrested an individual for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, seizing a .22-caliber handgun.
A vehicle pursuit resulted in the arrest of an individual on a charge of aggravated fleeing.
Officers also arrested an individual on an outstanding warrant for probation violation.
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine, who formed the task force, commended the officers.
“The tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of these officers are the driving force behind the success of these operations,” Haine said. “These significant seizures and arrests underscore the importance of the Cross-River Crime Task Force’s proactive approach in taking weapons out of the hands of law-breakers and removing dangerous substances from our stress. We remain steadfast in our commitment to prosecuting those who threaten the safety of our communities.”