On Thursday, December 14, 2017, at 4:01 a.m., Whiteside County Deputies were dispatched to U. S. Route 30 and Sand Road, in reference to a two-vehicle traffic crash. During the investigation, it was determined the driver of one vehicle had fled on foot from the scene of the crash. He was later apprehended by Whiteside County Deputies and K-9 Unit. Following a lengthy investigation by the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Fulton Police, and Clinton County[, IA.] Sheriff’s Office, Eron L. Ferroni, 37 years old of Mechanicsville, IA, was charged with the following offenses: Aggravated Possession of Stolen Firearms, Unlawful Possession of Firearms by a Felon, Possession of Methamphetamine, Failure to Report Accident with Injury, No Valid Driver’s License, and Improper Lane Usage. Ferroni appeared in Whiteside County Court and bond was set at $500,000 (10% applies.) He is currently being held in the Whiteside County Jail. Lieutenant John F. Booker stated these charges were able to be filed due to joint investigation by the above mentioned Police Agencies. Ferroni is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
On Sunday December 17, 2017, at 9:20 p.m., Whiteside County Deputies were dispatched to 1600 Riverdale Road, Lot 79, in reference to a male subject who had made threats of shooting people at the residence. When the first Deputy arrived on scene, he observed a male subject known to him as Richard Rippy. Rippy had walked out of the front door of the trailer; the Deputy ordered Rippy to stop. However, Rippy disobeyed the order and fled back inside the trailer. A perimeter was set up by Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies, Rock Falls Police, Sterling Police, and Illinois State Police. The Whiteside County Swat Team was activated, due to Rippy possibly having firearms and previous threats. Within approximately one hour Whiteside County Swat Team arrived on scene. The owner of the trailer granted the Police permission to enter the trailer. At 10:45 p.m., Whiteside County Swat Team entered the trailer and located Rippy hiding in a bedroom closet. Rippy was arrested and taken to the Whiteside County Jail on a Whiteside County Warrant for Failure to Appear on Driving While License Revoked and two Lee County Warrants for Failure to Appear on Petition to Revoke Probation and a Contempt Warrant. Commander of Whiteside County Swat Team, Lieutenant John Booker stated there were no reported injuries during the incident. Whiteside County Deputies were assisted by Whiteside County Swat Team, Rock Falls and Sterling Police, Illinois State Police, CGH Ambulance, and Rock Falls Fire Department. Rippy’s arrest is merely a charge, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
On Monday, December 18, 2017, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of the recent rise in residential burglaries. The latest string of burglaries occurred in the area of Woodlawn Road in rural Sterling, IL, during the early morning hours of Sunday, December 17, 2017. The first burglary occurred in the 3500 block of E. 17th Street, Sterling, when unknown suspects entered an attached garage through a side entrance garage door. The suspects entered two vehicles parked in the garage and stole several items. The second burglary occurred in the 3900 block of Woodlawn Road, Sterling. Unknown suspects entered an attached garage through the side entrance garage door. Several items stolen from the first burglary were located and recovered from within the garage. Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office is reminding all residents to make sure all vehicles are locked at night, and make sure garage and residence doors are locked as well. If anyone has any information regarding these burglaries, please call Crime Stoppers at 815-625-7867 or the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Officeat 815-772-4044.