Taylorville police responded to a report of shots fired early Monday morning in the area of Illini Drive.
According to police, officers were called to the area around 1:47 a.m. on February 2 after a woman reported hearing seven gunshots. Officers arrived within minutes and began checking the area on foot.
While doing so, officers heard a door open and a male voice make a statement, followed by a single gunshot. Police say the shot was not fired at officers. Officers immediately moved to a safe position and contacted dispatch.
Command staff, the Taylorville Emergency Response Team, and a certified crisis negotiator were called to the scene. A perimeter was established, and nearby residents were advised to remain inside their homes.
At approximately 3:43 a.m., the crisis negotiator made contact with the occupants of a residence using a loudspeaker and issued commands for those inside to exit. About 15 minutes later, one person exited and was taken into custody without incident. Two additional individuals later exited the residence and were also taken into custody without incident.
A search warrant was obtained, and the Emergency Response Team searched the residence. No additional suspects were found. Crime Scene personnel processed the scene and recovered several weapons.
Two individuals were charged in connection with the incident:
- Matthew Crowder, of Taylorville, charged with reckless discharge of a firearm.
- Michael Gonzales, of Taylorville, who is currently on parole, charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
The Taylorville Police Department thanked the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office and Christian County Sheriff’s deputies for their assistance.
