JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WGEM) – According to Jacksonville School District 117, there was an active standoff in a residence near Jackson Middle School.
According to the Illinois State Police, the armed subject safely exited the home at 11:30 a.m.
They reported the Jacksonville Police Department responded at 1 a.m. Friday to the 700 block of Park Street for a domestic disturbance. ISP said several shots were reportedly fired.
Jacksonville police attempted to communicate with the man, but he was initially uncooperative.
ISP responded to the scene with crisis negotiators and SWAT officers.
According to ISP, the man surrendered at 11:30 a.m. and was taken into custody for medical evaluation.
According to JPD, they arrested 37-year-old Thomas M. Loughary for domestic battery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, possession of weapon by felon and possession of weapon with revoked FOID card. He is lodged in the Morgan County Jail awaiting a court appearance.
The victim involved in the domestic incident was treated at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and later released.
ISP said there were no injuries to the officers or the subject.
On the district’s Facebook page, a post at 6:37 a.m. said that Jacksonville Middle School will be closed on Friday due to potential danger posed by the situation.
The post said the incident was confined to a specific area, and the school has been informed that it is safe for Washington Elementary to stay in session.
Students who are picked up at JMS will be picked up in front of Washington Elementary at the corner of Fayette and Anna Streets.
This also just went out:
Good morning,
This message is intended for our JHS students who are typically picked up at JMS in the morning, as well as families of Washington Elementary.
Please be advised that there is an active standoff involving the police and an individual barricaded in a residence near JMS. Due to the potential danger posed by this situation, JMS will be closed today. The incident is currently confined to a specific area, and we have been informed that it is safe for Washington Elementary to remain in session.
If you reside near the affected area and do not feel comfortable allowing your student to leave your home, please contact your school to report your child’s absence, which will be excused under these circumstances.
JHS students who are usually picked up at JMS will instead be picked up in front of Washington Elementary at the corner of Fayette and Anna Streets.
There will be no bus transfers at JMS this morning. Bus drivers will transport students directly to their respective schools. As a result, some students may be dropped off later than usual. School principals have been notified of this possibility.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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