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

06/17/2026

Effingham Police Department Begins Fourth of July Crackdown on Impaired Drivers and Seat Belt Law Violators

Effingham Police Department announced plans for Independence Day traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers. The safety campaign runs from June 19 through July 6 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after the holiday.

Effingham Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff’s departments for the increased statewide enforcement effort.

“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and memorable 250th Independence Day celebration,” stated Effingham Police Department Lieutenant Andy Warner. “If your plans include alcohol or other impairing substances, make arrangements for a sober ride before you head out. Our officers will be working throughout the holiday weekend to help keep our roads safe and ensure everyone gets home safely.”

Other important tips include:
• Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
• If you are drunk or impaired by cannabis or other drugs, take mass transit, use your favorite ride-sharing service or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. Not only is it the law, it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

“This Fourth of July, we encourage everyone to look out for one another,” said Lt. Warner. “If you plan to celebrate with alcohol, make a plan for a safe ride home, and don’t hesitate to step in if a friend or loved one is about to drive impaired. A simple decision can prevent a tragedy and help everyone enjoy a safe holiday.”

The Illinois Independence Day enforcement campaign is funded with federal highway safety dollars administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and supported by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state. It’s reinforced with IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which shares real stories of Illinois residents lost in fatal crashes.

06/08/2026

POLICE RESOLVE BARRICADE INCIDENT WITHOUT INJURY

An Effingham man was successfully taken into custody by officers after he barricaded himself in a residence in the 200th block of N. 4th Street on Sunday evening. The initial incident was reported to Effingham Police at approximately 5:01 P.M. as an assault involving a machete.

Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim with minor injuries. Officers were then made aware that the suspect had retreated to the basement of the residence, and that one minor was still located on the main floor. Officers were able to make entry to the residence and bring the minor to safety.

Ultimately, officers were able to make verbal contact with the suspect, later identified as William R. Allen, 39, Effingham. He refused multiple requests to come out of the basement. Due to Allen barricading himself inside the residence, other law enforcement agencies arrived to assist, including the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) Special Response Team (SRT). A search warrant was obtained to gain access to the dwelling. Approximately two hours after the incident started, but prior to executing the search warrant, Allen agreed to comply with commands and surrendered without incident.

Allen was transported to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital for an evaluation and then booked into to Effingham County Jail. An initial court appearance was held today to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act on the following charges:
• Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon – Class 3 Felony
• Domestic Battery with Previous Conviction(s) – Class 4 Felony
• Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer – Class A Misdemeanor
Upon conviction, a Class 3 Felony conviction carries 2 - 5 years in the Department of Corrections with up to $25,000 in fines.

During today’s hearing, probable cause for detention was found and Allen was denied pre-trial release. The Court found proof that Allen committed a detainable offense and that he poses a specific threat to both the victim as well as the community in general, as he has multiple convictions for domestic battery. In addition, the Court found that Allen would be highly unlikely to follow any pre-trial conditions order due to the fact he committed these alleged offenses while on probation for a felony in Coles County and on pre-trial release on a felony charge in Sangamon County. Allen has been remanded to the custody of Effingham County Jail, pending trial.

Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis praised the patience, discipline, and unified response, stating, "I want to commend the officers, deputies, negotiators, and emergency personnel whose coordinated efforts led to the safe resolution of this incident. Situations like these highlight the importance of strong interagency partnerships and a commitment to protecting lives. Because of the professionalism and teamwork, the neighborhood was secured, the subject was safely taken into custody, and no injuries were reported."

During this incident, Effingham Police were assisted by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, ILEAS SRT, Effingham County States Attorney’s Office, Rural Med EMS, and Effingham Fire Department.

The victim declined medical treatment at the scene. As a result, the individual's current medical condition is unknown. Consistent with privacy considerations, no additional medical information will be released.

No additional information will be released at this time as Effingham Police Detectives are furthering the investigation.

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.

06/02/2026

Effingham Police Department Reports Successful
Memorial Day ‘Click It or Ticket’ Campaign

Effingham Police Department has announced the results of its Memorial Day 2026 “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign. This special operation was aimed at increasing seat belt usage and keeping roads safe during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. A record-breaking 39.1 million Americans travelled at least 50 miles from home in 2026 during Memorial Day weekend.

"The goal of the 'Click It or Ticket' campaign is not to issue citations—it's to save lives," said Effingham Police Patrol Lieutenant Andy Warner. "If this campaign encourages even one person to buckle up and that prevents a serious injury or tragedy, our efforts have been worthwhile."

Effingham Police Department campaign results:
• 5 Failure to Wear Seat Belt citations issued
• 1 Felony arrest
• 2 Suspended/Revoked Driver’s License arrests
• 7 Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle citations
• 32 Speeding citations
• 1 Drug arrest

The campaign’s success reflects law enforcement's commitment to roadway safety and reinforces the message that buckling up saves lives.

The “Click It or Ticket” initiative is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. For more information on safe driving practices, visit ItsNotaGameIllinois.com.

05/27/2026

EFFINGHAM MAN ARRESTED AFTER STABBING

At approximately 11:30 P.M. on May 25, 2026, Effingham Police Department received reports of a stabbing which had just occurred in the 500th block of N. Henrietta Street. Upon arrival, Officers located one victim with an apparent stab wound to the torso who was immediately transported to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital by ambulance. Witnesses stated the suspect had fled the scene prior to Officers’ arrival.

Based on information provided during the initial investigation, Officers identified the suspect as Samuel J. Sarver, 20, Effingham. Officers located Sarver a brief time later at a residence in Effingham and he was taken into custody without further incident. Sarver was transported to the Effingham County Jail and remanded into the custody of jail staff pending further court proceedings.

The victim was later transferred to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. The victim’s condition is currently unknown.

Effingham Police Deputy Chief Tom Webb highlighted the cooperation between witnesses and law enforcement, summarizing, “Immediately after the incident occurred, witnesses and bystanders called 911 for help, but also tracked which direction the suspect travelled when he left the scene and provided a detailed clothing description. It was high priority for officers to detain the suspect to prevent any further threat to the public, so the collaboration between citizens and police helped officers locate the suspect quickly. We were able to take the individual into custody a short time later with no further injuries. We are thankful for those willing to join with us to help keep our community safe.”

An initial court appearance was held today to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act on the following charges:
• Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon – Class 3 Felony
• Reckless Conduct with Great Bodily Harm – Class 3 Felony
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Class A Misdemeanor
None of the three charges mandate an automatic detention under the SAFE-T Act; however, individuals charged with these violations of law can be detained pretrial. Because Sarver used a deadly weapon during this incident which resulted in serious injuries to an individual, Effingham Police Department supported detention for Sarver. The Effingham County State’s Attorney successfully petitioned the court for pretrial detention and Sarver was ordered detained pending trial.

A Class 3 Felony conviction carries 2 - 5 years in prison with up to $25,000 in fines.

During this incident, Effingham Police were assisted by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Deputies as well as Rural Med EMS.

The initial investigation determined that this was an isolated incident with no further threat to the public. Effingham Police Detectives are continuing the investigation; no additional 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.

05/18/2026

Search Warrant Yields Multiple Arrests

Effingham Police Department, in conjunction with Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and both agencies’ joint Special Response Team, executed a knock-and-announce warrant on Friday, May 15, 2026. The search warrant was secured after an investigation by the Effingham Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration revealed illegal narcotic activity involving a residence in the 400th block of W. St. Anthony.

The warrant netted methamphetamine, a controlled substance (Adderall), suspected methylenedioxymethamphetamine (M**A), and various items which are commonly used to package, weigh and distribute illegal narcotics.

As a result of the search warrant, two individuals were taken into custody and booked at Effingham County Jail on the following charges:

Anthony A. Brown, 28, Effingham
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 5 > 15 grams; Class 1 Felony (possible 4-15 year prison sentence)
• Possession of Methamphetamine 15 > 100 grams; Class 1 Felony (possible 4-15 year prison sentence)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (Adderall); Class 3 Felony (possible 2-5 year prison sentence)

Brown’s initial court appearance was held this morning to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act. At the hearing, Brown was denied pre-trial release. His next hearing is May 21, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.

Brianna S. Loy, 28, Altamont
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (M**A); Class 4 Felony (carries a 1-3 year prison sentence)

After booking, Loy was given a Notice to Appear under Pre-Trial Fairness Act regulations. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 9:00 A.M.

Effingham Police Department Investigations Lieutenant Aaron Lange commended the joint effort, asserting, “Successful narcotics investigations are built on strong partnerships. This operation reflects the professionalism, coordination, and shared commitment of our agencies to work together to keep dangerous drugs out of our community. By combining resources, intelligence, and personnel, we were able to safely and effectively carry out this investigation and address the criminal activity involved.”

The investigation is being furthered by Effingham Police Department detectives; no further information will be released at this time.

If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office encourage you to call 9-1-1 immediately to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can also be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.

05/14/2026

Zero excuses: ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign underway for Memorial Day

The Effingham Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois in reminding drivers that seat belts save lives during the 2026 “Click It or Ticket” campaign running May 15-26 over the Memorial Day travel period.

As families and friends begin traveling for holiday gatherings, vacations, and summer events, the Effingham Police Department is encouraging everyone to make safety a priority before pulling onto the roadway.

“Wearing your seat belt takes only a few seconds, but it can save your life,” said Lieutenant Andy Warner. “Our officers see firsthand the difference seat belts make in serious crashes. We want everyone traveling through and around Effingham to arrive safely to their destination and to the people who care about them.”

Throughout the campaign, officers will conduct additional high-visibility patrols focused on seat belt enforcement during both daytime and nighttime hours. Drivers and passengers who are not properly restrained can expect to be stopped and cited.

Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. While seat belt usage across the state continues to improve, preventable injuries and fatalities involving unrestrained occupants remain a significant concern — particularly during nighttime travel.

The Effingham Police Department reminds motorists that safe driving means more than just buckling up. Drivers should also avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and never drive impaired.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. For more information on safe driving practices, visit ItsNotaGameIllinois.com.

05/14/2026

The Effingham Police Department is proud to announce that Sergeant Joshua Douthit has graduated from the prestigious School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.

Sergeant Douthit successfully completed the intensive 22-week program held in Evanston, Illinois, from June 2 through November 2, 2025. He was a member of SPSC Class #614, which included seventeen law enforcement professionals from agencies across the country. Since its inception in 1983, the School of Police Staff and Command has graduated more than 25,000 public safety professionals from both national and international agencies.

The School of Police Staff and Command is recognized as one of the premier leadership and management programs for law enforcement professionals. The curriculum challenges students through rigorous coursework, examinations, presentations, projects, and a comprehensive staff study paper. Areas of study include leadership, organizational behavior, employee relations, budgeting and resource allocation, policy development, planning, and human resources.

Sergeant Douthit’s successful completion of this program reflects his commitment to professional growth, leadership, and continued service to the community. The knowledge and experience gained through the program will further strengthen the Effingham Police Department’s mission of providing professional, forward-thinking law enforcement services to the residents of Effingham.

Chief Kurt Davis stated, “We are extremely proud of Sergeant Douthit for the dedication and hard work required to complete this nationally recognized program. His commitment to advancing his education and leadership abilities is a direct benefit to both our department and the community we serve.”

Established in 1936, the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety has long been recognized for providing advanced education and professional development opportunities for law enforcement leaders throughout the world.

The Effingham Police Department congratulates Sergeant Douthit on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to the continued leadership and experience he brings to the agency and the community.

05/12/2026

We appreciate The Glenwood Assisted Living of Effingham for thinking of us during National Police Officer week!

05/08/2026

After 33 years of dedicated service, we honor and celebrate Linda Wendling as she begins her well-earned retirement.

For more than three decades, Linda has been a steady, compassionate voice in moments when people needed it most. Behind every call answered was her calm presence, her kindness, and her genuine care for others. She didn’t just do the job—she made a difference in countless lives, often in ways that will never fully be known.

Within our 911 center, Linda has been so much more than a coworker. She has been a source of light, laughter, and support—someone who could always be counted on to lift others up and make even the toughest days a little easier. Her presence has left a lasting mark on all of us.

While it’s difficult to imagine this place without her, we are incredibly happy for Linda as she begins this next chapter. We hope her retirement is filled with the same joy, comfort, and care that she gave so freely to others over the years.

Thank you, Linda, for 33 unforgettable years. You will be deeply missed, and never forgotten.

04/22/2026

FRAUD ALERT: Fake City Plan Commission Invoices

The Effingham Police Department is alerting local businesses to a recent scam involving fraudulent emails posing as the Effingham City Plan Commission.

We have received reports that businesses are being sent fake invoices requesting payment for planning or application-related fees. These emails may appear legitimate and use official-sounding language, logos, names, or formatting to mimic City communications.

Please be advised:
• The City Plan Commission does not send invoices for payment via unsolicited email.
• Official communication regarding applications and fees will come through verified City channels.
• These fraudulent emails are an attempt to obtain payment and/or sensitive financial information.

What you should do:
• Do not click on links or open attachments from suspicious emails.
• Do not respond or engage.
• Do not submit payment or provide financial information in response to these messages.
• Verify any invoice or request by contacting City offices directly using known, legitimate contact information.

If you believe you have been targeted or may have already provided payment, please contact Effingham Police Department at 217-347-0774.

We encourage all businesses to remain vigilant and take extra precautions when handling financial requests.

If you see something, say something.

Effingham Police Department

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