Alton Police Chief Jake Simmons echoed what Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn said in a Riverbender.com article on Tuesday about citizens calling the department in suspicious situations.

Alton Police Chief Jake Simmons.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

“We have to get back to the grassroots of neighbors helping neighbors,” he said. “If someone suspicious walks into your neighborhood at 2 or 3 in the morning or anything else is suspicious in the neighborhood, we urge people to call us and we will investigate.”

Article continues after sponsor message

Simmons said his department is waiting for medical and toxicology reports to come back on the body that was found in Powhatten in Alton in the trunk in early August of last year.

“It could be a couple more months until we get feedback,” he said.

Some might question how a body could remain in a trunk for several years and no one say anything to police, but Simmons said the house was vacant. If the house had been occupied it might have been a different story.

“The kids in that area had told several parents on the street they thought there was a body in the car, but a lot of the parents didn’t take the kids seriously. If they had called us it wouldn’t have gone this far.”

For more information on the Powhatten case, Simmons encouraged residents to call the Alton Police Department at 618-463-3505.

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

More like this:

Police Presence in O'Fallon Neighborhood Ends With Arrest
Jun 8, 2026
Fake Stick-Up Video Sparks Police Warning in Fairview Heights
Jun 9, 2026
Bethalto Residents Asked To Stay Alert After Thefts Reported
Jun 5, 2026
Celebrate America’s Birthday During Alton’s 250 on the Mississippi Festival
2 days ago
Simmons Hanly Conroy Sponsors Alton Firefighters Local 1255 Golf Tournament
May 27, 2026