Local Man w/Air Rifle Taken Into Custody Near Local School

(PINKERTON)

A man armed with an air rifle was taken into custody Thursday morning a short time after citizens alerted Effingham City Police of the matter.

49-year-old Jeffry Pinkerton of Effingham was arrested on counts of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal trespass to a vehicle. Pinkerton was seen near the intersection of National Avenue and 5th Street in Effingham just after 11am. The intersection is within a few blocks of South Side School. Police took Pinkerton into custody in the 600 block of South 5th Street less than 15 minutes after they were notified of the incident.

Effingham City Police Chief Jason McFarland said on the Effingham Police Department's Facebook page, "People in the neighborhood saw a man who appeared to be open carrying a rifle and dialed 911 right away to report it to law enforcement, and gave a very good description of the subject in question. This immediate action allowed our officers to respond instantly and identify and detain the subject on sight."

The Chief added, "The teamwork between Patrol Officers in their response was excellent, as a few of the responding Officers went immediately to the local school to protect the students and inform the administration."

Unit 40 Superintendent Andy Johnson said, "We appreciate the collaborative efforts of our local law enforcement as well as our community members in efforts of this nature to continue to keep our schools and community safe."

Effingham City Police were assisted by members of the Effingham County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois State Police.

Chief McFarland said that it was not illegal for Pinkerton to be carrying the weapon, but other alleged actions by Pinkerton at the time of the incident led to his arrest on the other charges.