DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) – The Danville Police Department is continuing to investigate an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that occurred Tuesday afternoon.
Around 2 p.m., police responded to a report of a blue van in the area of East W. Newell Avenue where the driver allegedly pointed a gun at another motorist. Minutes later, officers located the van parked near the intersection of North Vermilion and Ridgeview Streets.
With assistance from the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department, police arrested 44-year-old Jesse Hammel of Paxton, who was identified as the driver. During their investigation, officers discovered a stolen, loaded firearm inside the vehicle.
Further inquiries with Ford County deputies revealed an active arrest warrant for Hammel. He was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and the Ford County warrant.
Hammel is currently being held at the Vermilion County Public Safety Building. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at 217-446-8477 or through the P3TIPS mobile app.