Gillespie Police Department

06/24/2026

The following subject was charged on 05/18/26, by the Macoupin County States Attorney’s Office, with one count of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer (Class 4 Felony), and one count of Resisting a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor).

James J. Chapman
W/M DOB 07/14/1972
Carlinville, IL

On 05/17/26 the said defendant, in committing an assault, knew the individual assaulted to be a peace officer performing his official duties in that said defendant attempting to strike an Officer of the Gillespie Police Department with a baseball bat, thereby placing the Officer in a reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery.

The said defendant knowingly obstructed the performance of an Officer of the Gillespie Police Department of an authorized act within his official capacity, being the detention of the defendant, knowing the Officer to be a peace officer engaged in the ex*****on of their official duties, in that said defendant refused lawful commands and walked away from them to delay arrest.

The charges issued in this case are based only upon probable cause, and not an indication of guilt. This defendant as well as all others are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/11/2026

On Monday, June 8th, at the Gillespie City Council meeting, Chief Jared DePoppe awarded Sgt. Christian Abner and Officer Zebadiah Bostick with a lifesaving award for their actions in rendering aid to a person who was seriously injured. Their actions saved the life of the person as they awaited emergency medical response.

05/25/2026

05/06/2026

The following subject was charged on 04/27/26, by the Macoupin County States Attorney’s Office, with one count of Failure to Report Annually (Class 2 Felony).

Shane D. Robbins
W/M DOB 09/17/1985
Benld, IL

On 04/26/26 the said defendant, an individual required to register pursuant to the Illinois S*x Offender Registration Act, failed to register annually as required, and said defendant has previously been convicted of a registration offense.

The charge issued in this case is based only upon probable cause, and not an indication of guilt. This defendant as well as all others are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

04/27/2026

Public Safety Announcement-Severe Weather Alert for April 27, 2026

This is an important safety message for our community.

The Nation Weather Service has issued a First Alert for Monday, April 27, 2026, due to the Potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail that could reach baseball size. Everyone is urged to stay alert and be prepared.

To avoid confusion, please remember the following about outdoor warning sirens.
• Sirens are NOT only for tornadoes
• They are activated for any life-threatening severe weather
• Activation criteria include:
• Winds of 80 mph or higher
• Hail 1.5 inches or larger
Tornado warnings
Any Nation Weather Service warning issues for our area

If you hear the sirens, it means seek shelter immediately and get more information from a trusted source. Sirens are designed to alert people who are outdoors, so make sure you also have reliable indoor alerts such as weather radio or mobile notifications.

04/22/2026

The following subject was charged on 03/26/26, by the Macoupin County States Attorney’s Office, with one count of Possession of M**h (Class 3 Felony), and one count of Driving Revoked/Suspended DUI (Class 4 Felony).

Charles W. Robbins, Jr.
W/M DOB 04/11/1977
Gillespie, IL

On 03/25/26 the said defendant knowingly possessed less than 5 grams of methamphetamine or a substance containing methamphetamine.

The said defendant, drove a motor vehicle, being a 2013 Chevrolet truck on Central Avenue in Benld, Macoupin County, Illinois, during a period when his license was suspended pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1, and the defendant having been previously convicted of driving while license suspended or revoked on two prior occasions in Macoupin County.

The charges issued in this case are based only upon probable cause, and not an indication of guilt. This defendant as well as all others are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

04/14/2026

This week is national telecommunication (dispatchers) week. The Gillespie PD is beyond grateful for the hard work and dedication our dispatchers bring to the job every shift. Dispatching isn't an easy job, and is often overlooked and underappreciated. Thank you Dispatchers for all the work you do to help keep our community safe. - Chief Jared DePoppe.

04/08/2026

The following subject was charged on 03/24/26, by the Macoupin County States Attorney’s Office, with one count of Aggravated DUI (Class 2 Felony), one count of Felon Possess Weapon (Class 3 Felony), and one count of Driving Revoked/Suspended DUI (Class 4 Felony).

Douglas R. Whitten
W/M DOB 11/09/1980
Litchfield, IL

On 03/23/26 the said defendant, drove a silver in color 2017 Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Broadway Street in Gillespie, State of Illinois, while under the influence of alcohol, the defendant having previously been found to have committed violations of 625 ILCS 5/11-501 or a similar out of State offense in Montgomery County on December 17, 2003 and February 11, 2011.

The said defendant, a person who has been convicted of a felony under the laws of the State of Illinois, knowingly possessed on or about his person a switchblade knife, a weapon prohibited under section 24-1 of this Act.

The charges issued in this case are based only upon probable cause, and not an indication of guilt. This defendant as well as all others are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

04/01/2026

The following subject was charged on 03/11/26, by the Macoupin County States Attorney’s Office, with one count of Aggravated Battery/Victim 60+ (Class 3 Felony), and one count of Domestic Battery (Class A Misdemeanor).

Dana L. Goth
W/F DOB 03/11/1977
Staunton, IL

On 03/10/26 the said defendant, in committing a battery, intentionally caused bodily harm to the victim, a person over 60 years of age, in that she struck him in the head causing injury to his eye.

The charges issued in this case are based only upon probable cause, and not an indication of guilt. This defendant as well as all others are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.