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Two arrested after shooting in Taylorville

Two arrested after shooting in Taylorville

Matthew Crowder and Michael Gonzales Photo: Contributed, Shutterstock/Christian County Sheriff's Office, Taylorville Police


Taylorville, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Two people were arrested early Monday after gunshots rang out in Taylorville.

According to Taylorville Police, it started around 1:45 a.m. Monday, after a report of shots fired in the area of Illini Drive.  A female in the area told police she heard seven gunshots.

Officers checking the area say they heard a door open with a male making a statement, followed by another shot being fired.

That led to a standoff of sorts, with police saying residents were urged to stay inside while a crisis negotiator was called to the scene.  Around 4:00 a.m., one suspect left a home, followed by two others.  A search of a home in question allegedly turned up several weapons.

Matthew Crowder, 25, Taylorville, was arrested on a charge of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm.

Michael Gonzalez, 22, Taylorville, was arrested on a parole violation, and faces charges of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon.

Both appeared in court Tuesday.  A detention hearing for Gonzales will be held Thursday at 11 a.m.  Crowder is believed to have been denied pre-trial release, and is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing February 20 at 10:00 a.m.  A trial for Crowder could happen as soon as April 6.

It is not clear what, if anything, happened to the third suspect who surrendered.

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