SPD Makes 4 Firearm Arrests

The Springfield Police Department reported four arrests involving illegal firearms over the weekend as part of increased overnight patrols aimed at addressing unauthorized pop-up and block parties. These gatherings have historically led to violent encounters, often involving firearms, prompting the department to expand its presence during late-night hours on weekends.

According to police, officers encountered multiple individuals in possession of illegal weapons while working to disperse large groups. Darnell Junious, 22, of Springfield, was taken into custody following a brief foot chase after running from officers attempting to break up a gathering. He faces charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, resisting a peace officer, and possession of an unserialized firearm.

Carlito Junious, 19, of Springfield, was also arrested after fleeing from officers who suspected him of carrying a firearm. He has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a firearm without a FOID card, and resisting a peace officer.

In a separate incident, Corey Hamilton, 34, of Springfield, was observed carrying a handgun and fled on foot. Officers deployed a Taser to apprehend him after he attempted to discard the weapon while running. Hamilton faces charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, resisting arrest, and possession of an unserialized firearm.

Clyde Wallace, 46, of Springfield, was arrested after a physical struggle with officers who were investigating an improperly parked vehicle and reports of open alcohol. A Taser was used during the arrest, and Wallace was found to be in possession of a handgun. He has been charged with armed habitual criminal, armed violence, unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, methamphetamine possession, and resisting a peace officer.

Police said that two of the individuals arrested were carrying unserialized firearms, commonly referred to as ghost guns. Two of those arrested were convicted felons in prior firearm-related cases, and one individual was on pretrial release in connection with four unresolved cases, including charges of armed habitual criminal, armed violence, aggravated battery to a peace officer, and aggravated fleeing or eluding.

Anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 217-788-8311 or Sangamon and Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427.