May 20, 2026 – The Illinois State Police announced the results of a multi-agency enforcement operation conducted May 4-9 across central Illinois, focusing on Macon, Champaign and Vermilion counties.
According to ISP, the operation targeted high-fatality crash areas, high-crime areas, organized violent offenders and criminal groups using interstate highways to facilitate criminal activity. The detail used aerial surveillance, technology and coordination among multiple law enforcement agencies.
During the six-day operation, authorities reported 34 arrests, 28 felony charges and 72 total criminal charges. Officers also recovered five firearms and issued seven firearm-related charges.
Additional results included the seizure of 518 grams of cannabis and 67 grams of controlled substances. Officers conducted 100 motor carrier safety inspections, issued 204 citations and gave 442 warnings.
Among the notable arrests, troopers on May 6 stopped a vehicle for an Illinois Vehicle Code violation and recovered a stolen firearm and suspected heroin from a passenger. ISP said the passenger, a convicted felon, was booked into the Macon County Jail on multiple charges, including armed violence, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of heroin.
On May 7, troopers attempted another traffic stop for a vehicle code violation when the driver fled. ISP Air Operations tracked the suspect after he fled on foot, leading officers to take him into custody. Authorities said officers recovered two firearms along with suspected cannabis and ecstasy. The driver, also identified as a convicted felon, was booked into the Macon County Jail on multiple weapons, drug and fleeing charges.
Agencies participating in the enforcement detail included ISP patrol officers from Troops 4, 5, 6 and 7, ISP Zone 5 special agents, ISP Air Operations, ISP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau, ISP Central Special Operations Group, the East Central Illinois Task Force, the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and several local law enforcement agencies including the Decatur Police Department, Champaign Police Department and Danville Police Department.
ISP officials said the agency will continue using air operations, technology, investigators and increased patrols to combat violent crime throughout Illinois.
