BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – A peaceful gathering turned chaotic at the Friendship Festival in Bourbonnais over the weekend.
It happened following an alleged fight Saturday night, leading to a high-stakes chase involving local law enforcement. According to authorities, 18-year-old Syncere L Prince of Kankakee, Illinois, took off running after officers intervened to quell the altercation. Swift action by Bourbonnais Police resulted in Prince’s capture in a nearby parking lot.
During a subsequent search of Prince, officers made a startling discovery. Prince was allegedly found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun, with the serial number defaced. The incident prompted the Friendship Festival to close an hour early on Saturday, leaving festivalgoers shocked and concerned.
Bourbonnais Police wasted no time in taking Prince into custody. Prince was arrested on multiple charges related to illegal weapon possession. The charges against him include aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a person under the age of 21, aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon without a FOID (Firearm Owner’s Identification) card, illegal possession of ammunition, and possession of a defaced firearm ID marking.
Prince is now being held at the Jerome Combs Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing.
