On July 15, 2024, around 12:16 PM, Macomb Police responded to a report of shots fired near Albert St. and Piper St. in Macomb. Upon arrival, officers confirmed no injuries, identified that the suspects had fled, and initiated evidence collection. A search for the suspect vehicle was conducted throughout the neighborhood. Subsequently, MPD officers and detectives pursued leads, gathered evidence at the scene, and successfully located the vehicle. Information indicated the suspects were potentially armed and located in a residence on Derry Ln. in Macomb.
Officers surrounded the residence while detectives obtained a search warrant. With the warrant secured, MPD officers, supported by deputies from the McDonough County Sheriff’s Department and troopers from the Illinois State Police (ISP), safely apprehended the suspects one by one. The suspects were detained without incident, and a thorough search pursuant to the warrant uncovered evidence supporting criminal charges.
Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer stated the investigation remains active, with the possibility of additional charges pending. Authorities are also investigating potential links between the recovered weapons and other criminal activities.
Charged in connection with the incident are:
– Deandre Smith Jr., 22, of Hazel Crest, charged with Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (720 ILCS 5/24-1.5) and two counts of Illegal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (720 ILCS 5/24-1.1).
– Christian D. Walker, 24, of Macomb, charged with two counts of Illegal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (720 ILCS 5/24-1.1), and also held on a McDonough County Warrant for Indirect Criminal Contempt.
– Kirk G. Waters, 24, of Macomb, charged with Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (720 ILCS 5/24-1.5) and two counts of Illegal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (720 ILCS 5/24-1.1). Waters also had outstanding warrants from Cook and McDonough Counties related to weapons and drug offenses.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.