(DANVILLE, IL) – On Tuesday, January 14, around 4:00 p.m., a routine traffic stop in the 200 block of West Williams Street led to the arrest of 47-year-old Jhamala L. Thomas of Danville on multiple criminal charges. The stop was initiated by a Danville Police Officer after noticing numerous equipment violations on the vehicle. During the stop, a K9 officer assisted, and the K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, providing officers with probable cause to search the vehicle.
When officers ordered Thomas out of the vehicle, she attempted to flee the scene by putting the car in drive. A police pursuit ensued, leading officers to a location on Shady Lane where Thomas eventually parked the vehicle and was taken into custody.
Upon further investigation, officers discovered a controlled substance inside the vehicle. The Danville Police Department, with the help of the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office, secured a search warrant for a residence connected to Thomas. During the search, a loaded illegal firearm was found.
As a result of the investigation, Thomas was charged with Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The Danville Police Department reminds the public that all individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250 or Vermilion County Crimestoppers at vccrimestoppers.org, via the P3TIPS mobile app, or by calling anonymously at 217-446-TIPS (8477).