Report of gun shots still under investigation
The University Police Department is investigating the report of possible gun shots at the E-lot east of Lantz Arena where the First Annual Johnetta Jones Homecoming Step Show was hosted.
According to a press release, officers were dispatched around 10:15 p.m. to the lot where witnesses said shots were fired.
“Officers were unable to locate the suspect, but discovered a vehicle in the E-lot with a window apparently shot out,” the release stated.
University Police Department chief Adam Due said the department is still investigating the incident and its possible relation to an altercation inside the step show and the reports of a residential shooting off campus.
Mark D. Griffin, Chicago, and Crystal P. Lovejoy, an undeclared undergraduate, 1151 Johnson Ave., were arrested by Charleston Police Department officers Friday night on a probable cause affidavit, relating them to shots fired into a home at the 1500 block of 12th Street.
Officers caught Griffin and Lovemore in a vehicle on Lincoln Avenue at Seventh Street near Domino’s Pizza.
“After conducting follow up interviews, Griffin and Lovemore were arrested on the charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm,” a police press release stated.
Coles County State’s Attorney Steve Ferguson said the suspects posted bond Monday.
“The status would be the preliminary charges of aggravated discharge of a firearm were filed,” Ferguson said.
“No formal charges have been filed,” he said.
The preliminary charges fall into Illinois Compiled Statutes 720, 5/24-1.2(a)(1), which states:
“A person commits aggravated discharge of a firearm when he knowingly or intentionally discharges a firearm at or into a building he knows to be occupied and the firearm is discharged from a place or position outside that building.”
Ferguson said aggravated discharge of a firearm charges are considered a class one felony.
“Sentences for a class one felony could include anything from probation to prison time,” Ferguson said.
The circuit clerk’s office secretary said the records should be available Tuesday.
