05/24/2026
05/23/26 9:50pm
On 05/23/26, at approximately 12:25pm, a Menard County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Petersburg Police Officer attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence located in the 20000 block of Gudgel Bridge Avenue.
An arrest warrant was issued on 05/22/26 in Menard County Circuit Court for Justin M. Thornley, age 31, of Petersburg. The warrant charged Thornley with the following offenses: Aggravated Assault (2 counts), Violation of a Stalking No Contact Order (2 counts), and Reckless Conduct (2 counts). These charges were the result of the investigation of numerous incidents over the past several days.
While attempting to serve the warrant, deputies observed Thornley inside the residence; however, he refused to cooperate and disobeyed commands from law enforcement. Thornley then locked himself inside the residence.
Additional deputies responded to the scene, along with an officer from the Athens Police Department and troopers from the Illinois State Police. The scene was secured and a perimeter was established.
The Menard County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Unit and Tactical Response Unit.
Despite extensive efforts to communicate with Thornley, he continued to refuse to cooperate. At approximately 4:00pm, forced entry was made into the residence and a law enforcement drone was deployed in an effort to locate Thornley. Thornley was successfully located using the drone, but continued to refuse commands from law enforcement. Members of the tactical response unit then entered the residence and successfully apprehended Thornley.
Thornley was evaluated at a local hospital before being transferred to jail. He remains jailed pending an appearance in Menard County Circuit Court.
The Menard County Sheriff’s Office would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, Petersburg-IL Police Department, Athens Police Department, Illinois State Police, and Menard County EMS for their assistance in this matter.
The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ben Hollis
Chief Deputy Sheriff
Menard County, IL
