Alton Police Department

11/06/2026

🏅 Officer of the Month – March 2026 🏅

The Alton Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Lane Lawson as our March 2026 Officer of the Month.

Officer Lawson’s selection reflects much more than a single outstanding incident. Throughout the month of March, he consistently demonstrated exceptional initiative, dedication, and professionalism while serving the citizens of Alton.

While handling a significant workload of calls for service, Officer Lawson remained highly proactive in his efforts to identify criminal activity, locate wanted subjects, and remove illegal narcotics from our community. His self-initiated investigations resulted in numerous arrests and additional criminal charges, helping make Alton a safer place to live, work, and visit.

Officer Lawson also provided assistance to neighboring law enforcement agencies on several occasions, including the apprehension of a suspect following a pursuit involving a stolen semi-truck that began in Illinois and ended in Missouri. Working alongside his K9 partner, Riggs, Officer Lawson safely took the suspect into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

Just as importantly, Officer Lawson demonstrated the compassion and community-focused service that define our department. During March, he received recognition from both a community member and Sacred Spaces of CARE for going above and beyond to address concerns and assist individuals in need.

Officer Lawson exemplifies the Alton Police Department’s mission through his commitment to enforcement, service, integrity, and fairness. His ability to balance proactive police work with genuine care for our community makes him an outstanding representative of our profession.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Lane Lawson on being named Alton Police Department Officer of the Month for March 2026.

10/06/2026

Three Alton Police Department officers had the opportunity to attend the NTT INDYCAR Series Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at Wide Technology Raceway.

The officers enjoyed the day’s festivities, participated in the pre-race parade, and experienced the excitement of the main event alongside thousands of racing fans. It was a great opportunity to represent the Alton Police Department and connect with law enforcement officers and community members from across the region.

We appreciate World Wide Technology Raceway for the invitation and for recognizing the work of law enforcement professionals.



World Wide Technology Raceway

09/06/2026

The Alton Police Department joins our regional public safety partners in mourning the loss of Steve Holley, longtime Executive Director of Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses.

Steve devoted countless years to supporting first responders and their families through his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the mission of Guns ’N Hoses and The BackStoppers Inc. His efforts helped raise millions of dollars to provide critical support to the families of fallen police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders throughout our region.

His impact reached far beyond the boxing ring. Steve’s work touched countless lives and strengthened the bonds within the public safety community.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Holley family, his friends, and everyone at Guns ’N Hoses and The BackStoppers during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Steve. Your legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Holley, longtime Executive Director of Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses.

Steve dedicated much of his life to supporting the mission of Guns 'N Hoses and The BackStoppers, helping raise millions of dollars to assist the families of fallen first responders throughout our community. His leadership, friendship, and commitment to others left an immeasurable impact on our organization and on countless lives across the St. Louis region.

On behalf of the entire Guns 'N Hoses family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Holley family.

At the request of the family, we ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

David M. Stokes
President
St. Louis Guns 'N Hoses Boxing Association

07/06/2026

Today, Sacred Spaces of CARE hosted our summer Family Festival for APD employees and their families. We had a wonderful time eating a delicious meal catered by The The Brown Bag Bistro. The kids painted, played games outside, and everyone visited with Murphy, our future therapy dog! This event provides an opportunity for employees to spend time together, outside of the trauma and stresses of the job, alongside their families. This was the first family event held at the newly renovated APD training center and the fourth family festival hosted by Sacred Spaces of CARE. We are honored to be able to show our gratitude to the APD families and host activities that give attention to their wellbeing. 💙

Thank you Sacred Spaces of CARE for this wonderful day!

06/06/2026

🚧 Command Center Renovation Underway 🚧

For more than 25 years, the Alton Police Department’s Command Center has operated around the clock, serving as the communications and operations hub of our agency.

This critical workspace houses our 911 phone system, dispatch terminals, emergency communications equipment, CCTV monitoring systems, and other technology that supports our officers and keeps our community connected to emergency services.

As you can see, the room has been taken down to its foundation as we begin a long-overdue renovation. This project will modernize aging furniture and equipment, improve functionality, and better position the department to meet the needs of our community for years to come.

Residents can rest assured that there will be no disruption to emergency services, dispatch operations, or police response during construction. Our personnel remain fully operational and committed to providing the same high level of service our community expects every day.

During the renovation, our Desk Officer can be found at the Records Window in the lobby, located just to the left of the former service window. Signs are posted to help direct visitors.

We appreciate your patience and support as we invest in the infrastructure that helps us serve and protect the City of Alton 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

05/06/2026

In an effort to keep our community informed regarding crisis response engagement and illicit drug trends, we would like to share specific data with our community on a more regular basis. In this report, you will see Quarter 1 crisis-related calls for service and drug seizure stats. Sacred Spaces of CARE, through our partnership with the Alton Police Department, will disseminate this information quarterly moving forward and will also provide an annual review at the conclusion of 2026.

Should you have any questions or inquiries, please contact either Chief Ford or Megan Tyler at the Alton Police Department, 618-463-3505.

Sacred Spaces of CARE is committed to building a community that is responsive to trauma and prioritizes mental health and wellness. We are grateful for the partnership of the Alton Police Department and the support of our community in helping us foster a safer and healthier community for all.

04/06/2026

Today, Germania Brew Haus is donating 10% of all sales at every location to Sacred Spaces of CARE. In addition, customers can round up their purchases at the register, with those donations going directly to Sacred Spaces of CARE for the next several weeks.

Partnerships like these help make a positive impact throughout our community and support organizations that serve those in need.

If you’re planning to grab a coffee today, consider stopping by Germania Brew Haus and supporting this great cause.

This is community at its finest.

03/06/2026

CHARGES FILED IN FATAL MILTON DRIVE SHOOTING

The Alton Police Department announces that John A. Hammond, 46, of Alton, has been charged in connection with the June 1, 2026, shooting in the 3400 block of Milton Drive.

The deceased victim has been identified as Mariah R. Fearn, 32, of Alton. A male victim sustained serious injuries and continues to recover.

Officers quickly developed information that led to Hammond’s arrest in Carlinville, Illinois, within hours of the incident.

“This case reflects the dedication and professionalism of our officers and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to identify, locate, and apprehend the suspect within hours of this tragic incident,” said Chief Jarrett Ford.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mariah’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with the injured victim as he continues his recovery.

The Alton Police Department thanks the Illinois State Police, Madison County Coroner’s Office, Carlinville Police Department, Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office, Metro East SWAT Team, and the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance throughout this investigation.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

02/06/2026

UPDATE: Milton Drive Shooting Investigation

Regarding the shooting incident that occurred this morning in the 3400 block of Milton Drive, a person of interest is currently in custody.

The investigation remains active, and the case is expected to be presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for formal charges on Wednesday.

No further information will be released at this time.

The Alton Police Department will provide additional updates as they become available.

29/05/2026

The Alton Police Department has received several concerns and complaints from neighbors and Park Commissioners regarding activity occurring in City parks. In response, officers will be increasing enforcement of specific City ordinances to help keep our parks safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.

The following ordinances will be strictly enforced:

• Dumping or leaving trash, garbage, ashes, or refuse in parks outside of designated receptacles. (6-7-1F)

• Gambling or the use of gambling devices in parks and recreation areas. (6-7-1L)

• Being present in parks after hours. Parks are open from sunrise to sunset unless a City-sponsored activity is taking place. (6-7-1T)

• Dogs are prohibited in Hellrung Park and James H. Killion Park at Salu unless the animal is a trained service dog assisting a person with a disability. (6-7-1BB)

We encourage everyone to enjoy our parks responsibly and respectfully. These ordinances are in place to protect the quality of life for residents and visitors and to ensure our parks remain welcoming spaces for families and the community.

Thank you for your cooperation.

City of Alton, Illinois
Alton Parks and Recreation