Despite two shootings, Galesburg police chief says there is no crime wave

GALESBURG, Illinois (KWQC) – Police in Galesburg seized 17 guns following two shootings last week.

The latest shooting occurred in a residential area and claimed the life of a man on Saturday. The other shooting, on a downtown street, left one person hospitalized.

Both shootings are under investigation, but Police Chief Russell Idle said it is not part of a crime spree.

“The fact that they are so close together is quite an unusual event,” Idle said.

The police chief said mental illness and substance abuse play a role in the crime rate. In Illinois, the law that does not require cash bail also has an impact.

“Penalties for crimes have dropped significantly over the last decade and people are simply not afraid of punishment and are therefore willing to commit crimes,” Idle said.

But the boss says people should get on with their lives.

“This is still a wonderful city to raise your kids and go to school. I live here and raised my family here. Galesburg is a great city,” Idle said.

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