MOUNT VERNON — Mt. Vernon police officers responded just before 4:30 Sunday afternoon on a report of shots being fired from a vehicle in the area of 19th and Perkins. One vehicle was reportedly struck by the gunfire but there were no reports of injuries.

Additional information indicated a witness to the incident was following a vehicle the shot had been fired from.
An officer in the area observed the suspect vehicle fleeing from the scene and initiated a traffic stop on it at 10th and Perkins.

Additional units from the Mt Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police responded to assist.

During the traffic stop, two occupants of the vehicle were detained and firearms located. Both occupants were transported to the Mt Vernon Police Department for interviews and the vehicle was towed. Mt Vernon Police Department Detectives and Mt Vernon Police Department Crime Scene Technicians were called out to assist with the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Donovan A Lurz, of Fairfield, was taken to the Jefferson County Jail on charges of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. His bond is to be set.

The second occupant was released pending further investigation.

A short time later, Mt. Vernon officers responded to the area of 26th and Herbert/25th and Forest for multiple reports of shots being fired. Several individuals were questioned. No arrests were made at that time.