Stev en Billington, 21, of Lincoln, was first seen walking
away from a vehicle that had been broken into. Area residents
followed him and found him inside yet a second vehicle. They then
took custody of the suspect.According to Geriets and Vlahovich,
residents reported that Billington was at first cooperative, but
then attempted to flee. The residents gave chase and apprehended the
suspect, using reasonable force.
Geriets said that in Illinois it is legal for citizens making an
arrest to use reasonable force to subdue a suspect.
Once Billington was subdued, the Lincoln Police Department was
contacted, and Vlahovich arrived on the scene to make the arrest.
Billington was taken into custody and charged with criminal
damage to property under $300 and criminal trespass to a vehicle. He
posted bail and was released pending a formal hearing.
In an unrelated incident, an 18-year-male was arrested on Sept.
27 in the 900 block of 21st Street and charged with possession of
stolen property and forgery. According to Vlahovich, Brandon S.
Morse is still in custody at the Logan County Safety Complex,
awaiting formal charges.
The public is reminded that anyone is presumed innocent until
charges are proven in a court of law.
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