The Weekly Post public record for 4-7-22

 Published Date: April 6, 2022

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Edwards man dies in Southport Road crash
 PEORIA – Darrell W. Harper, 58, of Edwards died in a two-vehicle collision Friday, April 1, in the 5600 block of Southport Rd. at approximately 8:44 p.m.
According to Peoria County Sheriff’s Captain Chris Watkins, Harper, of Powder Mill Road, was the lone occupant of a sedan driving westbound on Southport Road. His vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck that was traveling eastbound. Two adults in the pickup were transported by AMT to OSF St. Francis Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood, “Harper suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries, and likely died instantly.” Toxicology testing is pending.
Brimfield and Limestone fire departments responded to the scene.

Police reports
• EDWARDS – James Clarence Ernst, 53, of Edwards was charged on April 2 for driving on a revoked license, according to a Peoria County Sheriff’s report.
• EDWARDS – Joshua R. Kelch, 24, of Edwards was charged on April 1 with two counts of driving on a revoked license, according to a Peoria County Sheriff’s report.
• FARMINGTON – Stopped for a traffic violation at E. Fort and N. Cone streets on March 26, Jacob Gohde, 22, of Glasford was found to have an additional chargeable offense after a search of his vehicle with a K-9 unit, according to a Farmington police report. He was charged with having no rear registration light and unlawful possession of adult-use cannabis. His vehicle was towed and impounded.
• FARMINGTON – A homeowner in the 300 block of E. Court St. arrived at his residence on the evening of March 31 to find the bolts that held the rear caliper to a vehicle had been removed and stolen, according to a Farmington police report. The police are investigating what is being called criminal damage to property/theft.
• FARMINGTON – On March 31, Cole Blythe, 32, of Farmington was taken into custody at the Circle K regarding an active warrant out of Fulton County for a failure to appear in court. He was transported to the Fulton County Jail.
• CANTON – Farmington officer Andy Steck and K-9 officer Koala assisted on a Fulton County traffic stop on March 29 during which Koala alerted to the presence of narcotics. After a search of the vehicle, 820 grams of meth was located inside the vehicle.