CHESTER – Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jason L. Merrell of Wright City, Missouri on narcotics and weapons-related crimes following a Home Invasion in Evansville, IL.
Sheriff Jarrod Peter announced Tuesday that on the evening of May 4, 2026, Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Evansville, Illinois regarding what was initially reported as a property dispute.
The reporting party indicated that a male subject, identified as Jason L. Merrell, was attempting to gain entry into the residence through a window.
A short time later, deputies arrived on scene and made contact with the reporting party. Merrell had left the residence prior to deputies’ arrival. The reporting party and Merrell had agreed to exchange some personal property. When this interaction broke down, Merrell forced entry into the residence through the window, and a physical altercation ensued between Merrell and the resident.
While deputies were speaking with the reporting party, Merrell returned to the residence, and deputies made contact with him regarding the incident.
As a result of the initial investigation, deputies recovered approximately 18 grams of MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), more than 100 grams of Xanax pills, more than 40 amphetamine pills, and a loaded handgun.
Merrell was taken into custody and transported to the Randolph County Jail pending formal charges.
Merrell was arrested for the following offenses: home invasion, unlawful use of a weapon, domestic battery, criminal damage to property, armed violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of cannabis (more than 10 grams but less than 30 grams)
“I want to commend the deputies involved for their commitment and attention to detail throughout this investigation. Their quick response and thorough work helped ensure the safety of those involved and resulted in the recovery of illegal narcotics and a firearm from the scene,” Peters commented.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.