FREEPORT — A Freeport man caused a domestic disturbance Oct. 19 outside of 2014 N. Harlem Center Road as he shot several rounds from his firearm into the air towards a residence and later toward Stephenson County Deputies. According to a Stephenson County Sheriff’s press release, Clinton Keasler, 30, was said to “want to end it all by the police” after becoming despondent over personal matters.

The sheriff’s office was contacted at approximately 1:19 p.m. in regards to Keasler’s weapon discharges at the residence. The deputies were also informed that he would fire on any police. Upon arrival, a crisis negotiator contacted Keasler through a phone call. Keasler continued to fire round rounds towards the residence and towards the deputies. Walking south toward the deputies on Harlem Center Road, the Stephenson County Crisis Negotiator was able to talk Keasler into putting his gun down on the ground. 

After a small altercation, deputies took Keasler into custody. He was then transported to Freeport Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. Once released from the hospital Keasler was held without bond at the Stephenson County Jail until he could be seen by a Stephenson County Judge.

Keasler is being charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm. 

The investigation of this incident remains ongoing. Assisting the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the Illinois State Police, Illinois State Conservation Police, Mercy Health MDl, Freeport Rural Fire Ambulance, and Star Ambulance.