DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) — On Sunday afternoon, Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. responded after three violent altercations took place over the weekend, with one fatality and several other injuries. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and everyone affected,” Williams said in a statement.
Starting on Friday, police reported two juveniles were located, with gunshot wounds in the 600 block of West Williams. Both individuals were taken to a local hospital and listed in stable condition. A third person involved, was not injured. On Saturday, Police arrived at Save-A-Lot parking lot at 2 E. Main Street, where they encountered a physical altercation involving firearms, with two individuals suffering gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a local hospital for treatment. One individual was later identified deceased by the Vermilion County Coroner as 22-year-old Ricky Dandridge, Jr. of Danville. One person was arrested and is in custody. Then on Sunday morning the Police Department responded to the 900 block of Lewis Ln. in the Fair Oaks Housing Complex as a shots-fired call. Officers found three victims with gunshot wounds, those individuals are listed as 17, 18 and 19 years old and listed in stable condition.
Just one day prior to the first incident, the FBI was in Danville conducting raids for violent criminals. Several arrests were made, and weapons, drugs, and money were seized during those operations.
Mayor Williams sent out a message that the City will not tolerate this behavior, “As a City, we will continue to enforce the law aggressively and consistently.” Williams said. He also said the police department will continue to work with state and federal authorities, including VMEG, State Police and the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department. Williams said that investigations are ongoing and realizes people want immediate answers but offers facts while he speaks of the incidents.
Williams also stated that those who attribute youth not having things to do, or lack of job opportunities were mistaken, citing that several organizations in town have stepped up activities giving youth, more to do to help keep them more balanced and off the streets while noting several job opportunities as well. “Accountability matters, choices matter. Opportunities only work if they are taken. Prevention and accountability must go hand in hand.”
In addition, Williams also noted that public safety begins at home. “It begins with what is taught, what is allowed, and what is corrected. Respect for others, respect for life, and respect for the community are not optional values. These are not excuses, it’s responsibility. Parents and guardians must set clear expectations and hold their children accountable. Individuals must make better choices and understand there are consequences for their actions. These are not optional values — they are expected. When those expectations are not set or enforced, the consequences show up in our streets.”
In closing the Mayor said, “We will not accept this as normal, and we will not lower our standards — because the future of this community depends on what we demand from ourselves today.”
Anyone having any information relating to these incidents, the Mayor encourages you to come forward. He said the public’s voice can help bring justice and prevent further harm.