Crime of the Week

Crime of the Week 04/29/2026

The Decatur Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in a series of thefts and vandalism incidents.

Detectives are currently investigating approximately 20 incidents involving the theft of headstones and vases, along with related vandalism. The damage and loss of property are estimated to total several thousand dollars.

The suspects are believed to be three individuals operating four-wheelers described as blue, red, and green in color. One of the suspects, who was riding the green four-wheeler, is described as a white male approximately 30 years of age. The other two operators appeared to be significantly younger.

In one incident, the suspects were observed traveling northbound through the Pilgrim Lutheran Church parking lot.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the Decatur Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 217-423-TIPS.

Alex Amaya2026-04-29T11:04:07-05:00April 29, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 04/15/2026

The Decatur Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in solving this week’s Crime of the Week.

On March 18, 2026, officers responded to a residential burglary in the 1300 block of East Locust Street. Upon arrival, officers learned that an unknown suspect had broken two windows to gain entry into the residence.

The victim later reported that a Black male suspect returned to the residence and brought back most of the stolen items, with the exception of a cellular phone.

The suspect is described as having a distinct star tattoo on his forehead, located between his eyes. He is also believed to possibly reside in the 1400 block of East Locust Street.

Digital photos of the suspect are available on the Crime Stoppers website.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Decatur Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 217-423-TIPS.

Alex Amaya2026-04-15T10:56:15-05:00April 15, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 04/09/2026

The Decatur Police Department is asking for your help with this week’s Crime of the Week.

The Decatur Police are investigating an armed home invasion that occurred March twenty‑seventh around eleven a.m. in the eleven‑hundred block of East Elmhurst. Two armed male suspects entered the home, demanded money, and stole electronics and beauty products. Two occupants suffered injuries during the attack.

The first suspect is a Black male, late teens to early twenties, wearing all black and a black ski mask, armed with a semi‑automatic handgun.

The second suspect is a Black male, late teens to early twenties, five‑ten to six feet tall, large build, wearing a black letterman jacket with “H‑V” in white lettering, also armed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Decatur Police at 217‑424‑2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217‑423‑TIPS.

Alex Amaya2026-04-09T10:01:53-05:00April 9, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 04/01/2026

On 03/27/2026, Decatur Police responded to 2525 N Main St regarding a burglary. Upon arrival, officers observed a shattered glass door and damaged property inside.

Surveillance footage shows two suspects approaching on foot from the south. One used a sledgehammer to break the front door, allowing both to enter. They caused significant property damage, likely trying to access secured money, but were unsuccessful. The suspects then fled south on foot.

Suspect Descriptions:

Suspect 1: Male, unknown age, ~5’6”, larger build, all black clothing, facemask, gloves with white lettering, carrying a sledgehammer.
Suspect 2: Male, unknown age, ~5’6”, thin build, all black clothing, facemask, gloves with white lettering, carrying a sledgehammer and prybar.

This incident is part of a string of similar burglaries and remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Decatur Police Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-TIPS.

Alex Amaya2026-04-01T12:56:15-05:00April 1, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 03/18/2026

The Decatur Police Department is asking for your help with this week’s Crime of the Week.

On multiple occasions in March 2026, the same suspect entered a business located at 1315 North Water Street and stole several items before leaving the area.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his mid-40s, wearing an oversized tan coat and blue jeans. Investigators have obtained a still image of the suspect from security footage, which is available for viewing on the Crimestoppers website.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Decatur Police Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-TIPS.

Alex Amaya2026-03-18T10:49:09-05:00March 18, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 3/11/2026

The Decatur Police Department is asking for your help with this week’s Crime of the Week.

On March 8th, 2026, at approximately 3:10 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of South Boyd Street for a vehicular hijacking.

The victim told officers he was sitting in his parked Buick sedan when a black sedan, possibly a Hyundai, pulled up next to him. A younger Black male passenger rolled down the window and pointed a black Glock-style handgun with an extended magazine and weapon-mounted light, ordering the victim out of the vehicle.

After demanding money, the suspect got into the Buick and fled the scene. Both vehicles were last seen traveling south on Boyd Street and west on Tuttle Street.

The victim reported there were four to five suspects in the Hyundai: one Black male and three to four white males, all believed to be 16 to 18 years old and wearing black clothing and face masks.

The stolen Buick was later recovered in the 1000 block of West Macon Street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Decatur Police Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-TIPS.

Alex Amaya2026-03-11T15:20:45-05:00March 11, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 2/25/2026

The Decatur Police Department is asking for your help with this week’s Crime of the Week.

On February 6th at approximately 4:32 a.m., Decatur Police officers were dispatched to 3745 North Woodford in reference to a burglary.

Around 4:29 a.m., two subjects were seen approaching the business from the east. One suspect struck the front door with a sledgehammer, shattering the glass. Both suspects then entered the store and used a crowbar and sledgehammer in an attempt to break into gaming machines. Significant damage was caused, and money was taken from the business.

Suspect one is described as a Black male with a light complexion, approximately 150 pounds, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, a black face mask, and carrying a black backpack.

Suspect two is described as possibly a White male, approximately 200 pounds, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and a black face mask.

This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Decatur Police Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734, or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-TIPS.

Alex Amaya2026-02-25T09:29:25-06:00February 25, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 02/09/2026

The Decatur Police Department needs your help with this week’s Crime of the Week.

On February 5th, DPD Officers were dispatched to 2195 N Oakland Ave reference to a Burglary.

Upon arrival DPD Officers observed the front window of the business to be shattered by a large rock. Video surveillance from the business showed a subject wearing dark pants, dark puffer style coat, white gloves and black facial covering enter the store. The subject stole US currency and other merchandise. Photos of the subject are attached below.

This incident remains an active investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-8477.

Alex Amaya2026-02-09T10:57:21-06:00February 9, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 1/28/2026

The Decatur Police Department needs your help with this week’s Crime of the Week.

On January 6th 2026 at about 0903AM, DPD Officers were dispatch to 1240 N Main St reference a Burglary.

Employees reported a w/m subject entered the facility, by jumping over their enclosed fence on January 2nd 2026 at about 7PM. The subject arrived at the property from the southeast.

Employees stated the subject was seen on surveillance footage using a crowbar to break into the front door to the warehouse. There was additional damage caused to 3 other doors inside the business. The suspect stole several tools while inside the business.

The suspect was a w/m, wearing a mask, dark coat, light colored pants and was carrying a black and gold “Jordan” back pack at the time of the incident.

This incident remains an active investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-8477.

Alex Amaya2026-01-29T09:37:45-06:00January 29, 2026|Crime of the Week|

Crime of the Week 1/21/2026

The Decatur Police Department needs your help with this week’s Crime of the Week.

On January 18th, 2026, at approximately 4:01 a.m., officers with the Decatur Police Department responded to the 200 block of S. Maffit Street regarding a report of a person shot.

Upon arrival, officers located a 46-year-old male suffering from at least one apparent gunshot wound. The individual was transported to Decatur Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

This incident remains an active investigation, and detectives continue to pursue additional information. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-8477.

Alex Amaya2026-01-21T08:48:03-06:00January 21, 2026|Crime of the Week|