Springfield man arrested 15 minutes after release from police custody

Bradley Zimmerman
·1 min read
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A Springfield man is back behind bars after law enforcement officials said he committed another crime just minutes after being released from custody.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office said James Kirst, 45, was arrested on Friday by the Springfield Police Department for criminal trespassing. He was released from the Sangamon County Jail at 7:34 p.m. with a notice to appear in court.

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15 minutes later, at 7:49, officials said Kirst called Sangamon County Central Dispatch and told them he had thrown a metal pole through the front entrance of the Sangamon County Building. The damage cost $3,500 to repair.

Photo courtesy of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
Photo courtesy of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
Photo courtesy of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
Photo courtesy of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office released the following surveillance footage of the damage taking place:

Kirst was arrested at the nearby Wyndham Hotel without incident and was returned to the county jail. He was charged with criminal damage to government-supported property over $500, a class 3 felony.

Officials said Kirst has 42 previous arrests and charges from other crimes. He currently remains in custody, as he refused to attend his first court appearance.

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