Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrests Benton man after gunshots reported

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call on July 28 at approximately 9:07 p.m. after a caller reported hearing multiple gunshots and believing his vehicle had been struck.

Deputies made contact with Tommy J. Burton, 45, of Benton, near the reported incident location. Following an investigation, Burton was arrested and charged with:

Aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class 1 felony)
Unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (two counts, Class 3 felony)
Possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony)
Possession of a controlled substance (Class 3 felony)
Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor)

Burton was transported to the Franklin County Jail, where he remains in custody.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Benton and West City police departments. Burton is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.