Williamson County man arrested after allegedly firing shots toward neighbor’s home; 61 guns seized

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A Williamson County man faces multiple charges after authorities say he fired shots toward a neighbor’s home twice, including once after deputies warned him to stop.

William Jesse Breedwell, 38, was arrested Oct. 11 and remains in the Williamson County Jail, according to Sheriff Jeff Diederich.

The incident happened near the intersection of Prosperity and Stotlar roads.

Deputies initially responded after a neighbor reported gunfire had struck their home. Deputies spoke with Breedwell and warned him not to fire in that direction.

About 40 minutes after deputies left, the neighbor called again to report additional gunfire had struck the home, Diederich said.

When deputies returned, Breedwell refused to come outside, slammed the door and retreated into the home, according to the sheriff.

A child was inside the home during the encounter. Deputies were able to get the child safely to a neighbor’s home while continuing efforts to persuade Breedwell to surrender.

The sheriff’s office began mobilizing its Special Response Team and preparing to obtain a search warrant to enter the home. However, Breedwell surrendered before the team was deployed.

On Oct. 13, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office worked with Illinois State Police to obtain a firearms restraining order and search warrant.

Authorities seized approximately 61 firearms, a large quantity of ammunition and a 3D printer that appeared to have been used to manufacture firearm parts.

Diederich said Breedwell’s Firearm Owner’s Identification card had previously been suspended because of violations discovered during an Illinois State Police investigation.

The sheriff emphasized that the firearms were seized under a court order because of public safety concerns surrounding the reported gunfire.

“The sheriff’s office is not in the business going around Williamson County taking people’s guns,” Diederich said.

He said the decision was not taken lightly.

“But the circumstances present a public safety issue, and you know, the court concurred, and that’s where we ended up,” Diederich said.

Breedwell faces charges of resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless conduct, reckless discharge of a firearm and forgery. He also faces an additional charge related to providing a false training certificate.

Breedwell remains in custody at the Williamson County Jail.