ALTON — The Alton Police Department responded to a report of a male subject carrying what appeared to be a handgun on Main Street Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2025, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said.
Officers located the man, who immediately removed the firearm and dropped it to the ground. Upon inspection, the weapon was determined to be a BB gun, Chief Ford said.
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Chief Ford said the subject was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Alton Jail and later released in accordance with the Safe-T Act.
Chief Ford commended officers for their restraint during the encounter, noting that the BB gun closely resembled a real handgun, and it was not immediately clear to officers that it was a replica when they approached the individual.
