Mattoon Police Continuing Shots Fired Investigation; Second Arrest Made

Mattoon police are continuing their investigation of shots being fired earlier this week.

The report concerned shots fired in the 1700 block of Edgar Avenue in Mattoon just after 6pm Monday. When officers reached the scene, they learned that an argument had occurred between two groups of people and that gunshots were exchanged. At this point, no one is known to have been wounded. A bullet did strike a house in which an infant was present.

The incident initially began as an argument between a group of juveniles that led to a physical altercation. Adults from both parties intervened and the argument then escalated amongst the adults to the point that they were throwing ceramic garden gnomes at one another. The argument culminated when males from both sides produced handguns and began firing indiscriminately. Although multiple gunshots were fired no one, at this point, is known to have been struck.

Amanda L. Hopgood, age 42 of Mattoon, was arrested in connection with this incident in the 1400 block of Marshall Ave. at approximately 11:00 p.m. Monday. She was charged with Obstructing Justice. The charge alleges that she lied to police about the presence of a suspect wanted for questioning in regards to the shooting. That suspect was found within her home.

(HOPGOOD)

Mattoon Police executed search warrants at three homes during the night and a firearm used in the shooting was seized. CSI units were present at the Edgar Avenue address processing the crime scene until 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Hopgood was taken to Coles County Jail. Police ask anyone with information in regards to this shooting contact Coles County Crimestoppers or the Mattoon Police Department via Facebook. Persons can remain anonymous and will qualify for cash rewards of up to $1,000.00.

A second arrest has been made in the incident. Mattoon police arrested Martavious L. Koger, 36, of Mattoon Wednesday on counts of battery and mob action. Mattoon Police Chief Jason Taylor said Koger is alleged to have battered a juvenile on Monday, and then returned to the same address with at least two others after dark and engaged in another fight with a group of adults. That incident led to gunfire being exchanged between the two parties.

(KOGER)

The FBI also issued a warrant for Koger for allegedly violating the terms of his parole. Koger had been paroled from Federal prison after serving a 13-year term for dealing in sales of crack cocaine. He is being held in Coles County Jail.

The investigation continues and further arrests are expected.