On 08.27.21 the Wabash County Sheriff's responded to a complaint of criminal damage to property. Through the investigation the offenses of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (3 counts) and (2 Counts) of Aggravated Assault were also present in this investigation. Information was gathered and an arrest warrant and search warrant were sought by the Sheriff's Office.
On Sept. 1st a search warrant was granted for 4797 N. 600 Blvd. Mt. Carmel, IL the residence of James M. Morgan, 56 years of age. The Wabash County Sheriff's Office along with officers of the Mt. Carmel Police Department and Illinois State Police went to the residence to execute the search warrant.
While at the residence two occupants were removed that were not the target of the investigation. Information obtained on scene led Deputies on a manhunt throughout the river bottoms in the outer Keensburg/Cowling area. Drone technology was utilized thanks to Mt. Carmel Police. After 7 hours the scene was processed and evidence collected and officers left the area.
The next day James Morgan contacted the Sheriff's Office asking if Law Enforcement or his daughter had taken his firearms. Mr. Morgan was informed the Sheriff's Office had his firearms and was encouraged to come to the Sheriff's office. Morgan determined he would not come in but invited deputies out to his residence.
When deputies arrived at Morgan's residence he was gone once again. Information obtained was that Morgan made the statement that he was "doing suicide by cop", before leaving he residence.
At approximately 11:56 A.M. Morgan was located at his residence. Deputies and the Illinois State Police surrounded his residence and established contact by phone. A deputy with the Sheriff's Office negotiated Morgan's peaceful surrender and he was taken into custody without incident.
Morgan's Wabash County warrant was for 3 counts of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and 2 counts of Aggravated Assault. Morgan is currently being held in the Wabash County Jail on a $30,000 cash bond.
