RANTOUL, Illinois Witnessing Surge in Shootings: Two Men Arrested for Firearm-Related Offenses

In the wake of a spate of community shootings and shots fired incidents this month, the Rantoul Police Department has taken swift action by arresting two individuals connected to firearm-related offenses. These arrests come as the town grapples with the rising tide of gun violence.

First Arrest: Verbal Altercation Leads to Shots Fired

The first arrest occurred on December 23, following a report of gunfire near St. Andrews Circle and Par Drive in Rantoul. The incident prompted a quick response from the local police department, who were also alerted to the area by a gun shot detection system.

Upon arrival, the police discovered that a verbal altercation had taken place between an unnamed individual and a 27-year-old Rantoul resident named Antonio Thomas. During questioning, Thomas admitted to firing two shots into the air, confirming the presence of gunshots.

Law enforcement officers seized a 40-caliber pistol with a defaced serial number and a drum magazine containing 27 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, they found 52 rounds of ammunition at Thomas’ residence. The suspect was promptly taken into custody and transported to the Champaign County Jail, where he faces charges of aggravated discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of weapons, and possession of a firearm with defaced identification marks.

Second Arrest: Routine Traffic Stop Reveals Firearms and Cannabis

The second arrest occurred on Tuesday evening around 9:50 p.m. when an officer conducted a routine traffic stop near the intersection of Maplewood Drive and Kenneth Drive. The vehicle was pulled over due to violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code. However, the officer noticed something suspicious on the shirt of the front seat passenger – cannabis.

Further investigation revealed that the passenger, identified as 27-year-old Benjamin K. Mason from Rantoul, was in possession of a firearm concealed under his seat. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a 40-caliber pistol and approximately 600 grams of suspected cannabis. The firearm was reported stolen from Missouri in 2022.

Mason was promptly taken into custody and transported to the Champaign County Jail. He now faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of cannabis over 500 grams.

Community Collaboration Encouraged

The Rantoul Police Department is urging anyone with additional information regarding these incidents to come forward and assist in their ongoing investigations. Individuals can contact the department directly at 217-333-8911, and arrangements can be made to share information privately. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers via phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), online at 373tips.com, or through the “P3 Tips” mobile app.