Kankakee, IL – A Beecher woman was arrested Friday morning after sheriff’s deputies discovered a loaded handgun in her purse during routine security screening at the Kankakee County Courthouse, according to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. Friday, July 17, as deputies assigned to courthouse security screened visitors entering the building.
Authorities said deputies found a Smith & Wesson handgun inside the woman’s purse. The firearm was allegedly loaded with a full magazine and had a round chambered. Deputies also recovered two additional loaded magazines, according to the sheriff’s office.
The woman was identified as Rachel E. Kane-Coffman, 40, of Beecher. Officials said she was taken into custody without incident.
According to the sheriff’s office, Kane-Coffman is a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License holder but was arrested on allegations of carrying a concealed firearm in a court building and carrying/possessing a firearm in public.
Sheriff Mike Downey praised the courthouse security deputies, saying their attentiveness and the effectiveness of the routine screening process prevented the firearm from entering the courthouse’s secure area.
The sheriff also stated that investigators have not suggested there was any plan to harm anyone, but said the incident underscores the importance of maintaining security screening procedures at courthouse entrances.
The charges are allegations, and Kane-Coffman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
