Effingham Police Department, 110 S. Third Street, Effingham, IL (2026)

08/28/2026

Thank you to T-Town Cruise Night for your generous donation to Shop with a Cop!

08/11/2026

Effingham Police Department Investigates Aggravated Battery

The Effingham Police Department is investigating an Aggravated Battery that occurred over the weekend following a physical altercation.

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, at approximately 1:25 A.M., Officers from Effingham Police Department and Deputies from the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident at Travel Centers of America, 1702 W. Evergreen Avenue, rendered medical attention to one victim and immediately initiated an investigation. The victim was transported by Rural Med Ambulance to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and later transferred by Air Evac to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana for further treatment. To protect the privacy of the victim, the Effingham Police Department will not be releasing any additional information regarding the victim or their medical condition.

The investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to follow current leads and gather information related to the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We take incidents like this seriously, and our investigators will continue to pursue every available lead and diligently work to establish the facts surrounding what occurred,” stated Chief Kurt Davis. “Our thoughts are with the victim, and we certainly wish them well as they recover. Our investigators will continue to vigorously pursue this case and take appropriate action based on the facts and evidence developed through the investigation.”

Information gathered during the initial investigation indicates this was an isolated incident, and there is no known ongoing threat to the community. The Department is asking anyone with information that may assist investigators to contact the Effingham Police Department.

ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.

08/11/2026

Labor Day Traffic Safety Effort Focuses on Impaired, Distracted and Unsafe Driving

Effingham Police Department is proud to join more than 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns this Labor Day. From August 14th through the early morning hours of September 8th, officers will be working to promote safe driving, prevent crashes and protect everyone traveling on our roadways.

“Every time someone gets behind the wheel, they are responsible not only for their own safety, but for the safety of everyone sharing the road with them,” said Lieutenant Andy Warner with the Effingham Police Department. “A safe holiday weekend starts with simple decisions—buckle up, stay focused, drive at a safe speed, and make sure you are sober before you drive. We encourage everyone in our community to look out for one another and make choices that help ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

Enforcing seat belt laws is part of the “Click It or Ticket” initiative. Buckling up is the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash. Everyone in the vehicle — front seat or back — should be properly buckled, every trip. Officers will also be watching for drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis and other drugs. Messages like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” are part of a statewide education and enforcement effort focused on preventing impaired-driving crashes and saving lives.

“We want everyone to enjoy the Labor Day weekend and return home safely,” said Lt. Warner. “Take a few seconds to make a safe plan before you get behind the wheel—wear your seat belt, put the phone down, slow down and never drive impaired. Safe choices by each of us make our entire community safer.”

This local effort is part of a larger statewide campaign supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, which administers the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns with federal highway safety funds. The initiative is reinforced by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign running across radio, television and digital platforms to highlight the deadly consequences of impaired driving.

08/07/2026

Traffic Safety Campaign Results

Effingham Police Department conducted a traffic safety campaign throughout the month of July reminding motorists to slow down to save lives. The speed enforcement effort was conducted by multiple state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce highway fatalities.

Effingham Police Department’s results from the campaign:
• Speeding citations: 79
• Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicles citations: 21
• Suspended/Revoked License arrests: 6
• Criminal arrests 1
• Fugitives apprehended 1
• DUI arrests 1

"Every traffic stop is an opportunity to prevent a crash, save a life, or take someone committing more serious crimes off our streets. While 79 speeding citations highlight the need for drivers to slow down, this campaign also resulted in the apprehension of a fugitive and eight other arrests. These results demonstrate that proactive traffic enforcement is about much more than writing tickets—it's about making our roads and our community safer for everyone," declared Effingham Police Department Patrol Lieutenant Andy Warner.

The July speed enforcement effort was made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

07/28/2026

SWATTING CALLS REPORTED AT MULTIPLE WALMARTS

At approximately 9:01 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, the Effingham Police Department responded to a reported threat at the Effingham Walmart, located at 1204 Avenue of Mid-America. An unknown male called the store and threatened to come to the location armed with a firearm and shoot individuals.

Officers arrived within minutes, secured the scene, and initiated a thorough search of the building and surrounding area. Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public safety, Walmart management elected to close the store for the remainder of the evening, while officers assisted with the orderly evacuation of employees and customers.

No fi****ms, explosive or incendiary devices, or other threats were located during the search. No injuries were reported, and no suspects were found at the scene.

While conducting the initial investigation into the threat, officers determined this was a “swatting” call. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary’s definition, “swatting” is “to make a false report of an ongoing serious crime in order to elicit a response from law enforcement.” This is achieved by false reporting of a serious threat, such as a bomb threat, mass shooting, hostage situation, or other similar crimes. Further information revealed that other Walmart’s in Illinois and Kentucky have had similar incidents in the past month.

Effingham Police Department Investigations Lieutenant Aaron Lange underscored the serious nature of these incidents, stating, "A false report of an active threat is not a prank—it is a serious criminal offense. These intentional hoaxes create high-risk situations for responding officers, innocent victims, and the public, and they can have life-altering—or even deadly—consequences. We will use every investigative tool available, including our local and state partners, to identify the individual or individuals responsible, and we will work with prosecutors to pursue the maximum penalties allowed under the law. Anyone considering this type of hoax should understand that the consequences are severe, and they will be held accountable."

Effingham Police were assisted by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Deputies during this incident. This investigation is being furthered, and no additional information will be released at this time.

If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.

07/24/2026

Arrest Made in Early Morning Shooting

At approximately 1:50 a.m. on July 24, 2026, officers with the Effingham Police Department responded to a report of shots fired outside a residence in the 300th block of North 3rd Street. Upon arriving at the scene, officers learned the occupants of the targeted vehicle had already left the area and were at the Effingham Police Department. Officers immediately secured the scene on 3rd Street, identified potential witnesses, and began collecting statements as part of the initial investigation.

Officers located evidence indicating that a single round had been fired from a handgun at a vehicle occupied by one adult and two teenaged juveniles. Fortunately, none of the occupants were struck during the incident.

Officers identified a suspect as Jalen N. Herschberger, 18, Effingham. Herschberger was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Effingham County Jail where she was remanded into the custody of jail staff pending further court proceedings.

Probable cause was found by the Honorable Judge Ericka Sanders to detain Herschberger pending the filing of formal charges and a detention hearing on Monday, July 27, 2026, to determine whether continued pretrial detention is warranted under the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act.

Herschberger is being held pending proceedings on the following charges:
• Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony)
• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Class A Misdemeanor)
If convicted, the Class 1 Felony offense carries a sentencing range of 4 to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and a fine of up to $25,000.

"Purposefully discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle is an extraordinarily dangerous and reckless act that has no place in our community," said Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis. "We are grateful that no one was injured, and I commend our officers for their swift response and outstanding investigative work that led to this arrest. Their quick action helped ensure the safety of our community and demonstrates our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. Fi****ms carry an immense responsibility, and those who choose to use them to threaten or endanger others will be pursued aggressively. We have zero tolerance for this type of violent behavior, and we will continue working tirelessly to protect our residents."

During this incident, Effingham Police were assisted by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Deputies as well as Illinois State Police Troopers.

Investigators have determined the incident was targeted in nature and that there is no ongoing threat to the general public. Detectives from the Effingham Police Department continue to investigate the incident. As the investigation remains active, no further information will be released at this time.

ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.

07/08/2026

Drive Smart: Reduce Your Speed for Safer Travel

The Effingham Police Department announced today that throughout the month of July, motorists can expect increased patrols looking for speeding, as well as other traffic violations. They are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up enforcement efforts across the state in an effort to reduce speeding.

"Speeding creates unnecessary risks for everyone on our roadways," said Lieutenant Andy Warner. "The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time a driver has to react to changing traffic conditions, avoid hazards, or safely navigate curves. Every time someone chooses to speed, they increase the risk of a serious crash that could affect not only themselves and their passengers, but also other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Slowing down is one of the simplest ways we can all help make our roads safer."

During the speeding enforcement blitz, officers will intensify enforcement of posted speed limits.

“Offenders will be stopped and ticketed – especially in school zones and neighborhoods, as well as at major intersections where most of our speed-related crashes occur,” said Lt. Warner. "Our priority isn't writing tickets; it's slowing drivers down, preventing crashes, and making sure everyone gets home safely."

The speed enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.

07/08/2026

Effingham Police Department Announces Fourth of July Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign Results

“Effingham Police Department made 2 impaired driving arrests and issued 36 speeding citations during the recent Fourth of July Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over safety campaign,” announced Lieutenant Andy Warner. Law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois participated in this statewide effort to get drunk and drugged drivers off our roads and encourage seat belt use.

Complete results during the campaign:
• Driving Under the Influence arrests: 2
• Speeding citations: 36
• Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicles: 14
• Other traffic arrests: 2
• Other citations: 10

The Effingham Police Department was proud to join more than 200 state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois in this enforcement campaign. By combining high-visibility patrols with community outreach and public education efforts, including a statewide media campaign, the initiative aimed to encourage safe driving habits and help keep our roads safe for everyone.

"The success of campaigns like this comes from strong partnerships at every level," said Lieutenant Andy Warner. "Thanks to federal highway safety funding administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, along with the support of the Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies across Illinois, we're able to dedicate additional resources to keeping our roads safe. Combined with IDOT's 'It's Not a Game' campaign, which highlights the real and lasting impact of traffic fatalities on Illinois families, these efforts remind everyone that the choices we make behind the wheel have real consequences."

07/08/2026

Thank you to Donnewald Distributing Company and Phorm Energy for the donation of drinks to the Effingham Police Department!

07/05/2026

The Illinois State Police has identified the man involved in a shooting incident in Effingham on Sunday, July 5, 2026, as 36-year-old Allen O. Gattino of St. Charles, MO. More information on the shooting incident can be found here http://prez.ly/8nKd. This is an ongoing investigation and no additional information is available at this time.

Effingham Police Department

08/28/2026

08/11/2026

08/11/2026

08/07/2026

07/28/2026

07/24/2026

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

07/05/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request