JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville Police arrested a city resident last week accused of battery with a hammer, illegal possession of machetes, and more.
Erick L. Howell, 37, of Jerseyville, was charged on Aug. 12, 2026 in Jersey County court with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal damage to property, including a Class 4 felony and a Class A misdemeanor.
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Howell allegedly struck another person with a hammer and damaged the property of two different individuals on Aug. 7, 2026. He is accused of causing over $500 in damage to a vehicle located on Cross Street in Dow and less than $500 in damage to a Night Owl security camera in the same area.
Howell was also charged two days later on Aug. 14 with two counts of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, both Super Class 3 felonies. He was reportedly in possession of two fixed blade machetes on Aug. 13 measuring over 18 inches in length which were unlawful for him to possess as a previously convicted felon.
Madison County court records show Howell was previously convicted in 2016 of recieving/possessing/selling a stolen vehicle and was sentenced to 14 days in jail.
Howell was arrested by the Jerseyville Police Department before being ordered released from custody pending trial in both new cases.
Jersey County court records indicate Howeel has been placed under GPS electronic monitoring and other conditions of release. Under his release conditions in the first case, he has been ordered to have no contact with either of the property owners pending further court orders.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
