JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - The man who surrendered after barricading himself inside a Jacksonville home for over ten hours, prompting a nearby school to close for the day, has been identified.
37-year-old Thomas M. Loughary was arrested for domestic battery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, possession of a weapon by a felon, and possession of a weapon with a revoked FOID card, according to the Jacksonville Police Department.
Jacksonville police told WAND News they were called out for a domestic disturbance with a report of shots fired in a home in the 700 block of Park Street just after 1 a.m. Friday.
According to JPD, officers learned that Loughary had hit someone in the home, and a gun was shot during the dispute. The victim was treated at the hospital and later released.
Illinois State Police SWAT was called to help negotiate with the suspect, who police said was initially uncooperative.Â
ISP said the incident was not a hostage situation.
WAND News was at the scene and saw the suspect come out with his hands up at 11:30 a.m.
"He peacefully surrendered. We were able to take him into custody. We got him treated for any possible injuries that he may have sustained overnight, and then we've taken them out to the hospital," said Jacksonville Chief of Police Doug Thompson. "We want to make sure that he is mentally health and able to talk to us after that."
Police surround a home on Park Street in Jacksonville on April 24, 2026. (WAND photo)
WAND Reporter Carlee Bronkema said several officers on scene had long guns. Police used at least two tactical vehicles at a home in the front yard. Police also put a drone up over the neighborhood.
It's unknown if neighbors were evacuated.
The police situation prompted Jacksonville schools to cancel class at Jacksonville Middle School. Illinois College also closed off some nearby athletic fields but the school is still open. Several roads around the scene are also closed to traffic.Â
The school district also moved middle school bus pickup to a nearby elementary school.
In an email to school families and staff, Jacksonville Superintendent Steve Ptacek said police described the situation as "dangerous" and that it could extend into the school day. The missed day will not need to be made up since other schools throughout the district are open.
Police said Loughary was taken to the Morgan County Jail, where he waits to appear before the courts.
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