Juveniles identified in Carbondale weapon incident, case sent to prosecutor

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Carbondale police are investigating an unlawful use of a weapon complaint that occurred late Aug. 18 in the 600 block of East College Street.

Officers responded to the report at 11:39 p.m. Investigators later identified juvenile suspects, and the case will be forwarded to the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office for review and possible charges. Police said the names of the suspects will not be released in accordance with the Illinois Juvenile Justice Act.

According to an earlier release, about 10 to 15 juveniles damaged property at a homeless encampment in the area. When a victim confronted the group, the suspects allegedly battered the person, causing non-life-threatening injuries. Police said one male suspect wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and a red ski mask displayed what appeared to be a firearm before the group fled northeast toward the 800 block of East College Street.

The victim was treated at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Carbondale Police Department at (618) 549-2121, Carbondale/SIU Crime Stoppers at (618) 549-COPS (2677), or the Murphysboro/Jackson County Crime Stoppers line at (618) 687-COPS (2677). Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the “Crime Stoppers” tab on the police department’s website.