The Henry County Courthouse was placed on lockdown this morning after a male subject displayed a pistol during the security screening process. James M. Demink, 61, of Colona was arrested and charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Around 8:18 AM on December 27, 2023, James Demink entered the Henry County Courthouse and pulled a pistol out at the security screening area. Mr. Demink showed signs of distress, which matches our witness statement in our earlier article, and he ignored commands from Deputies. The Henry County Courthouse was placed on lockdown while the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Deputies executed de-escalation efforts. After a short time, Mr. Demink began to comply with Deputies and was taken into custody without incident. The firearm was recovered at the scene. James Demink will be held at the Henry County Jail until his first court appearance. Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon is a Class 4 Felony and punishable by one to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections but probation is also possible.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
