CHRISTOPHER – A weekend home invasion on Church Street in Christopher ends up with a West Frankfort man being taken to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Criminal Trespass to Real Property.

According to Christopher Police, officers responded to the incident and learned 33-year-old Richard M. Espinoza had fled on foot.

Officers did interviews and got Espinoza’s description. A Zeigler Police officer assisting in the search found a man matching the description a few blocks away. Police were able to take Espinoza into custody without further incident.

Earlier that day, Espinoza had multiple encounters with Christopher officers and admitted to being under the influence of meth and alcohol. Due to the Illinois SAFE-T Act, officers were required to release him at that time of contact. 

The Sesser and Zeigler police departments assisted Christopher Police with the arrest.