Man was arrested after large fight in Mt. Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, Ill., (KBSI)- On Monday April 8th, 2024, officers responded to the area of 24th and Lamar for a report of a fight involving around 15 to 20 people.

Upon the officer’s arrival the subjects began to leave the area.

None of the subjects were cooperating with police.

Later, The Mt. Vernon Police Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a large fight at Veterans Park, 800 South 27th.

Callers also reported one person was brandishing a handgun.

Upon the officer’s arrival they were able to locate the suspect reported to be armed amongst a crowd of around 50 to 75 people.

Numerous fights between those involved were also taking place.

Officers observed a male subject, later identified as 33-year-old Antonio McShane, battering another individual that several people said McShane had been waving a firearm.

When officers attempted to take McShane into custody he began to resist arrest.

Officers further learned the firearm had allegedly been placed inside a van on the parking lot.

Numerous people were attempting to bypass officers to gain entry into the van.

The officers initiated a call for all available officers to respond to the scene.

Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and off duty officers, who were arriving for work, also responded.

Officers were able to form a line to secure the area around the van and other officers as they attempted to interview witnesses.

All officers remained on scene for about forty-five minutes before clearing.

Two officers remained on scene to ensure the subjects involved all cleared the area.

The van was towed to the Mt Vernon Police Department pending application of a search warrant.

Detectives were called in to assist with the investigation and search warrant application.

A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained and a loaded handgun was located inside it.

McShane was transported to the Jefferson County Justice Center on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

He was detained pending a judicial review.

In addition to McShane, two female juveniles were detained by officers during the incident for obstructing officers.

Both females were issued citations for Resisting Arrest Obstructing and released to parents.

All involved are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.