CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) – A SWAT team had to remove an armed man who barricaded himself in a house, police say.
A press release from police says 25-year-old Jerry O’Neal had a firearm when he threatened a woman in a house, which is located in the 2500 block of Champaign's West Springfield Avenue, on Monday night. Police came to the scene at about 10:15 p.m. in response to a domestic battery report.
Officers say the woman and her children managed to leave unharmed before O’Neal barricaded himself inside with another male. That person also managed to get out safely after the SWAT team was called.
After trying to talk with O'Neal for several hours, SWAT members pepper-sprayed the house, causing O’Neal to leave. The SWAT team arrested him.
Police say a search warrant served at that address led to the seizure of a handgun, which officers labeled as evidence.
O’Neal is facing charges of domestic battery, unlawful use of a firearm by a felon and aggravated assault. He is behind bars in the Champaign County Jail.
Police say the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign police at (217)351-4545 or Crime Stoppers at (217)373-TIPS. Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips by phone, online here or through the “P3 Tips” phone app.
NOTE: Champaign County's inmate search website does not have a mug shot listed for O'Neal as of Tuesday evening.
