Illinois Valley

Man displays a handgun in Streator, police say

Man found hiding under stairs in a residence

Streator police closed a block of Hickory Street near the Streator Post Office on Saturday, June 17, 2023, while bomb technicians removed a suspicious tote in the parking lot.

A 28-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after police said he displayed a handgun in the area of City Park in Streator.

Kegan Sears is preliminary charged with armed violence, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, illegal possession of a firearm, violation of pre-trial release, obstructing a peace officer and disorderly conduct.

Police received the report at about 10:39 a.m. Officers arrived, and as they tried to make contact, Sears fled on foot, carrying a handgun, police said. Officers witnessed Sears go into a residence several blocks away and officers continued into the residence, finding the man hiding underneath some stairs.

Sears was taken to La Salle County Jail, pending a detention hearing.

Sears had been wanted for a felony theft charge in 2019. After being arrested, he was granted pre-trial release in July and again in April.

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.