Yesterday morning, just before 8:00, the Mattoon Police Department received multiple calls of alleged shots fired at 2909 Marion. Upon arriving, officers made contact with a woman stating to be the girlfriend of Chad A. Thompson, who she resides with at the home. She advised just prior to officer’s arrival that Mr. Thompson was acting very irrational and yelling at her to get the kids and get out. She further alleges that while attempting to get out the residence Mr. Thompson took a loaded gun and walked out to the front yard and started firing rounds into the air and into the ground. Several of the nearby residents also witnessed Thompson allegedly fire what would appear to be a handgun into the air.
Officers attempted to make contact with Thompson, but he would not come to the door. After trying to raise Mr. Thompson by phone or knocking on the door Thompson came out voluntarily and was taken into custody without incident.
Thompson was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons and reckless discharge of a firearm and was transported to the Coles County safety detention facility, pending the filing of formal charges by the Coles County State’s Attorney.