Illinois man arrested, charged in string of burglaries, vehicle thefts

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — Deputies from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of multiple overnight vehicle burglaries on Lady Bug Lane and Dragon Fly Lane on Feb. 15, 2025.

The burglaries resulted in the theft of various items, including firearms, clothing, personal identification, and credit/debit cards.

An investigation led to the identification of William Alexander Reed, of Carterville, as a suspect.

Reed was previously charged with a Class 3 felony for theft in Williamson County on Oct. 18, 2024, but was released pretrial pursuant to the Safe-T Act.

On March 4, 2025, deputies located a stolen vehicle from Marion parked near Reed’s residence.

Later, investigators found Reed hiding in a bathroom shower at the residence and took him into custody on an outstanding arrest warrant for burglary out of Jackson County.

A search warrant was executed at the residence, resulting in the recovery of a significant amount of stolen property, including firearms, computers, and personal identification.

The stolen items were linked to nearly a dozen open burglary cases across Williamson County.

Reed was arrested and cited with multiple charges, including possession of a stolen firearm, possession of stolen property, burglary, and possession of cannabis.

He was transported to the Williamson County Jail.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two additional suspects involved in the burglaries.

Anyone with information can contact the sheriff’s office at 618.997.6541 or submit a tip anonymously through the Williamson County Sheriff’s App.