A 44 year old Texas man is facing multiple charges in Fayette County, Illinois Court stemming from an incident last week that led to a standoff with law enforcement for almost 90 minutes.
Former West Orange Police Officer Steven D. Hilton has been charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault to a Police Officer, with both charges being Class 4 Felonies. Hilton also faces 3 counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, with those charges being Class A Misdemeanors and one count of Disorderly Conduct, a Class C Misdemeanor.
Vandalia Police Department reports say that at 6:42 pm on Thursday evening, October 19th, a Vandalia Police Department Officer responded to a report of a disturbance at 1502 N. 8th Street. The person giving police the complaint said than an intoxicated man–later identified as 44 year old Steven D. Hilton–was causing a disturbance. Upon arrival, the Vandalia PD Officer reportedly observed Hilton outside the apartment complex, engaged in a heated argument. Police reports say that when they approached Hilton, he retreated into his apartment and became armed with an AR-15 style rifle, equipped with an optic. Reports say the officer sought cover and immediately notified other officers, and together they established a secure perimeter.
Reports says that after a standoff that lasted for 1 hour and 27 minutes, Hilton was safely taken into custody at 8:09 pm that night. The report states that during this time, Hilton was observed loading a round into the chamber of the AR-15 style rifle, raising serious concerns for the safety of those involved.
In Fayette County Court, it was determined that detention of Hilton was required. Hilton will next appear in Fayette County Court on November 14th at 10 am for an appearance with counsel at a preliminary hearing. (Effingham Radio)
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