05/27/2026
EFFINGHAM MAN ARRESTED AFTER STABBING
At approximately 11:30 P.M. on May 25, 2026, Effingham Police Department received reports of a stabbing which had just occurred in the 500th block of N. Henrietta Street. Upon arrival, Officers located one victim with an apparent stab wound to the torso who was immediately transported to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital by ambulance. Witnesses stated the suspect had fled the scene prior to Officers’ arrival.
Based on information provided during the initial investigation, Officers identified the suspect as Samuel J. Sarver, 20, Effingham. Officers located Sarver a brief time later at a residence in Effingham and he was taken into custody without further incident. Sarver was transported to the Effingham County Jail and remanded into the custody of jail staff pending further court proceedings.
The victim was later transferred to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. The victim’s condition is currently unknown.
Effingham Police Deputy Chief Tom Webb highlighted the cooperation between witnesses and law enforcement, summarizing, “Immediately after the incident occurred, witnesses and bystanders called 911 for help, but also tracked which direction the suspect travelled when he left the scene and provided a detailed clothing description. It was high priority for officers to detain the suspect to prevent any further threat to the public, so the collaboration between citizens and police helped officers locate the suspect quickly. We were able to take the individual into custody a short time later with no further injuries. We are thankful for those willing to join with us to help keep our community safe.”
An initial court appearance was held today to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act on the following charges:
• Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon – Class 3 Felony
• Reckless Conduct with Great Bodily Harm – Class 3 Felony
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Class A Misdemeanor
None of the three charges mandate an automatic detention under the SAFE-T Act; however, individuals charged with these violations of law can be detained pretrial. Because Sarver used a deadly weapon during this incident which resulted in serious injuries to an individual, Effingham Police Department supported detention for Sarver. The Effingham County State’s Attorney successfully petitioned the court for pretrial detention and Sarver was ordered detained pending trial.
A Class 3 Felony conviction carries 2 - 5 years in prison with up to $25,000 in fines.
During this incident, Effingham Police were assisted by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Deputies as well as Rural Med EMS.
The initial investigation determined that this was an isolated incident with no further threat to the public. Effingham Police Detectives are continuing the investigation; no additional information will be released at this time.
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.
