A Litchfield man was arrested Sunday, Apr. 28, after allegedly barricading himself and another person inside a house next to the Litchfield Bowling Alley.

Benjamin Ballhurst, 35, was charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm without a valid FOID card.

Authorities responded to the scene at 11:34 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 27, after receiving a report that a man had armed himself with a rifle at 3342 IL Rt. 16 and had barricaded himself and another subject inside the residence. According to the Litchfield Police, another person who was inside the home fled the residence after Ballhurst allegedly pointed the rifle towards the individual and made threatening statements.

After arriving at the scene, Litchfield officers and Montgomery County sheriff's deputies attempted to make contact with the occupants of the home. While approaching the residence, officers heard multiple gunshots coming from inside the house. Police established a perimeter, evacuated local residents from their homes and closed a portion of Route 16. The Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System also responded to a request for assistance.

At 2:31 a.m. Sunday, two subjects exited the residence while members of the ILEAS attempted to make contact with the occupants. They were detained without incident. A search warrant was issued and Ballhurst was taken into custody.

Also assisting at the scene were the Illinois State Police, Macoupin County Sheriff's Department, and the Mt. Olive Police.