Local News

Charges Filed Against Hillsboro Man in Standoff

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 12:39:57 CST

Charges have been filed against a Hillsboro man who barricaded himself in a Schram City residence Wednesday night, causing a standoff with police.

Steven Gingerich, 53, has been charged with Unlawful Restraint, Domestic Battery, Possession of Firearms with no FOID Card, Possession of Ammunition with no FOID Card, and Possession of more than Five Cannabis Plants.

According to Hillsboro Police Chief Randy Leetham, police took a report of a domestic disturbance that occurred sometime between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning at a residence on Klar Avenue. During the investigation, police learned that the suspect was possibly in possession of firearms without a FOID card, and he had threatened a shootout if police arrived.

Montgomery County Sheriff Rick Robbins monitored the residence when Gingerich first made an appearance. After officers attempted to make contact, Gingerich fled back inside. Authorities began to negotiate with the suspect who was refusing to cooperate.

At 6:08 p.m. Wednesday, Gingerich surrendered peacefully and was taken to the Montgomery County Jail. Bond has been set at $100,000. The Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System swat team assisted at the scene.