Carbondale Alerts
Carbondale Police Press Release: Multiple Firearms-Related Investigations & Prosecutions: Summary from Jackson County State's Attorney
NEWS RELEASE
City of Carbondale, Illinois
July 3, 2024
For Immediate Release
CARBONDALE – The Jackson County State's Attorney recently issued a press release describing a series of gun crimes that have been charged by his office that originated in the City of Carbondale. The release reads as follows:
Contact: Joseph A. Cervantez, State’s Attorney
July 3, 2024
MULTIPLE INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH GUN-RELATED OFFENSES IN JACKSON COUNTY
Jackson County State’s Attorney, Joseph A. Cervantez, announced today that multiple individuals have been arrested and charged by the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office for a variety of gun offenses. The offenses span from February to May of 2024. Cervantez explained his office has charged suspects in the following shootings, and he will continue to hold shooters accountable. State’s Attorney Cervantez emphasized, “Our law enforcement professionals in Jackson County are dedicated to ensuring that these individuals are held accountable.”
On February 25, 2024, at around 4:00 P.M., the Carbondale Police Department responded to a report of multiple gun shots being heard near North Robert A. Stalls Avenue and East Chestnut Street. The investigation revealed that two subjects who were traveling in a vehicle on North Robert A. Stalls Avenue were targeted and struck by gunshots from two suspects on foot. Investigators eventually identified multiple juveniles involved in the incident. Arrest warrants were obtained for the shooters, and they were eventually taken into custody shortly after the incident. The shooters were charged by the Jackson County State’s Attorney Office with multiple offenses including Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm.
On March 21, 2024, at approximately 10:25 P.M., officers responded to a report of gunshots in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue. Upon officers’ arrival, two firearms were located and seized. Kaliyah D. Parker, 23, of Carbondale was taken into custody by police. Parker faces charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, among others.
On April 17, 2024, at around 10:30 P.M., Carbondale Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 700 block of South Poplar Street. Officers confirmed that shots were fired in the direction of 701 South Poplar Street, Carbondale, Illinois. Multiple suspects were identified. Ambrose N. Godsey, 21, of Carbondale was charged by the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Godsey has been detained pending trial.
On April 20, 2024, at around 7:15 P.M., Carbondale Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Lynda Street and Cedarview Street. Officers learned that a suspect fired several shots from a maroon vehicle before leaving the area traveling west on
Lynda Street. During the course of the investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Jaden D. Bradley, 24, of Carbondale, and Tavaris L. Hill, 23, of Murphysboro. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Bradley with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Hill was charged with Concealing or Aiding a Fugitive. The State’s Attorney’s Office requested a warrant for both suspects. Neither Bradley nor Hill have been located by law enforcement as of this release. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Bradley or Hill is encouraged to call the Carbondale Police Department at (618) 457-3200. The investigation is active and ongoing.
On May 9, 2024, at around 6:30 P.M., Carbondale Police Officers responded to the 500 block of South Rawlings Street for a report that three individuals had been shot following a physical disturbance. The investigation revealed that two minors and one adult, Ahkira Guest, had been shot. All were treated for their injuries at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. The investigation led to the arrest of two female juveniles as the shooters. The shooters have been charged by the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office. Out of this particular incident, Chonta Stidham, Jr., 21 of Carbondale, was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Obstructing Justice. Robert Bethea, 23 of Carbondale, was charged with Unlawful Use or Possession of Weapons by a Felon.
On May 18, 2024, at around 6:50 A.M., Carbondale Police Officers responded to 700 South Lewis Lane for a report of a male juvenile who had been shot following a dispute. The victim was transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for treatment of injuries and eventually transferred to a regional hospital by helicopter for additional treatment. The investigation revealed that Kaemarius Parks of Centralia, Illinois, had been involved in an argument with the victim just before shooting the victim in front of the Fields Apartments near building #1300. An arrest warrant for Parks was sought and obtained. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Parks with Attempt First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Parks pending trial and it was granted by the court.
State’s Attorney Cervantez explained that an Information is merely a charge and not evidence. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Cervantez said, “I will be the first to agree that the criminal justice system needs improvement, that our community needs more resources, and that rehabilitation and diversion programs are valuable tools, but my job as a State’s Attorney is to strike the correct balance and always act in the interest of justice and public safety. We will not allow violence to overshadow the positive things in our community.”
While Cervantez stressed the importance of a heavy investment in prevention, he explained that shooters and other violent offenders will be held accountable. "There will be consequences if you decide to use a gun," State’s Attorney Cervantez said. He stressed that every individual will be held accountable.
Carbondale Police Chief and Interim City Manager Stan Reno issued the following statement regarding the information released by State's Attorney Cervantez:
“The Carbondale Police Department is committed to eliminating gun violence and enhancing the safety of the Carbondale community. The arrests announced by State’s Attorney Cervantez represent significant steps in our ongoing efforts to address and mitigate the threat of violent crime in Carbondale and to hold the offenders accountable.
These arrests are the results of diligent investigative work, pro-active police work and the unwavering commitment of the Carbondale police officers and detectives who are dedicated to protecting Carbondale. I commend the efforts of our officers and detectives, as well as the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office, for their relentless pursuit of justice and their pro-active approach to eliminating gun violence.
Removing illegal firearms from the streets of Carbondale and holding those who commit gun offenses accountable are critical components of our strategies to ensure a safer Carbondale for all residents and visitors. We will continue to work closely with the community and our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals who engage in criminal activities.
The Carbondale Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect the Carbondale community. I encourage community members to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and work together with us to make Carbondale a safe place for everyone.”
The mission of the Carbondale Police Department is to work in partnership with our community to preserve life, protect human rights, protect property and improve quality of life by providing police service to all in a fair, sensitive, and professional manner.