McLean County Times

 On Wednesday, 3/30/2022, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Bloomington police officers were dispatched to an armed subject call for service in downtown Bloomington. Officers were told that a man appeared to hide something in a nearby alleyway, entered the courthouse, and returned to pick up the item, which was described to be a firearm. Officers were given a description of the possible armed subject and responded to the area.

Using an existing BPD public safety camera, officers were able to quickly find the suspect on live video surveillance in the 100 block E. Market St.

Once located on the video, the BPD's Street Crimes Unit was directed to the suspect's location. They were able to detain the suspect without incident. During the investigation, officers located a firearm on the suspect. Arrested was James K. Mathis Jr., 34, of Bloomington. Mathis was arrested for: UNLAWFUL USE OF WEAPONS / FELON POSSESS FIREARM and transported to the Mclean County Jail.

Mathis' preliminary arrest charges by the McLean County State's Attorney's Office were listed as: ARMED HABITUAL CRIMINAL, UNLAWFUL USE OF WEAPONS / FELON POSSESS / USE FIREARM PRIOR, AGG UUW/PERS/LOADED/NO FCCA/2+, FIREARM/FOID INVALID/NOT ELIG. Bond was set today at $250,000 - 10% to apply.

Chief Jamal Simington said, "Using an existing BPD public safety camera, officers were able to quickly find the suspect on live video surveillance while downtown.  These tools continue to allow BPD to solve crimes more efficient and effectively.  The reporting of this incident by a concerned community member allowed our officers to seize another weapon from a felon.  This arrest and seizure perhaps thwarted another victim of a gun crime, therefore potentially saving lives.  The safety of our community is our most important mission and we will work hard to prevent violence." 

All suspect(s) are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law.