45 Felony Charges After Surprise Illinois Police Sting Operation

The long arm of the law caught many alleged criminals by surprise as Illinois police just completed a 3-night sting operation in East St. Louis that resulted in 45 felony charges being brought.

There has been an escalated effort to target violent crime in Illinois this year and East St. Louis was the most recent area that law enforcement put the hammer down in. The Public Information Office of the Illinois State Police says that May 6 through May 8 was another violent crime suppression effort that resulted in these stunning numbers of charges:

• Arrests - 36
• Felony Charges - 45
• Criminal Charges - 67
• Firearm Related Charges - 33
• Firearms Seized - 20
• Controlled Substance Seized - 13 grams
• Stolen Vehicles Recovered - 1

According to details shared by the Illinois State Police, traffic stops revealed "a loaded short barrel rifle style firearm" and also a "loaded AR-15 style rifle".

This huge Illinois law enforcement effort was completed by "60 ISP officers from around the state, including Troop 7, Troop 8, Troop 9, Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6, Firearms Investigations Unit, Air Operations, Academy, and the Public Safety Enforcement Group joined forces with the Division of Patrol’s Special Operation Group South and Central Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement Unit".