Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
ALTON - The Alton Police Department said charges have been filed in connection with a shots-fired investigation stemming from an April 11, 2026, incident on East 4th Street, citing the use of video evidence and license plate reader technology to identify vehicles involved.
“This case is a strong example of how technology, teamwork, and persistent investigative work can quickly lead to those responsible for reckless and dangerous behavior,” Chief Jarrett Ford said. “Gun violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our community, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who put others at risk.”
Officers were dispatched at about 8 p.m. April 11, 2026, to a report of shots fired in the 1300 block of East 4th Street in Alton, police said.
When they arrived, officers found several spent shell casings of multiple calibers.
Police conducted what they described as an extensive canvass of the area, which they said consists of only a small number of residences, and located a brief video clip that captured two vehicles present at the time of the incident.
Through license plate reader technology and additional surveillance footage from the City of Alton’s camera network, officers identified the vehicles involved, police said.
Detectives continued the investigation and identified and interviewed several individuals connected to the incident, according to the department.
On April 16, 2026, the case was presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by State’s Attorney Tom Haine, which approved charges, police said.
Adults Charged:
• Peyton A. Maddox – Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm / Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon / Obstructing Justice.
• Jeremiah E. Thornton – Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm / Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Additionally, three juveniles have each been charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm / Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Alton Police Department at (618) 463-3505 extension 634, police said.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
