THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
People v. Phillip Mitchell 2024-CF-812
On September 25, 2025, Phillip Mitchell (DOB:9/13/1987), formerly of Danville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of Weapon by a Felon and Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding for a sentence totaling 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Following his term of imprisonment, Mitchell will serve 1 year of mandatory supervised release. The plea and sentencing hearing were presided over by Judge Mark S. Goodwin.
The People presented evidence that on November 2, 2024, officers with the Danville Police Department observed a vehicle committing a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating emergency lights on the squad car and instructing the driver to pull over. The driver failed to comply and fled the scene at speeds reaching 90 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone. During the pursuit, the driver disregarded multiple traffic control devices before ultimately crashing the vehicle into a garage. The driver, identified as Phillip Mitchell, was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. A loaded handgun was
recovered from inside the vehicle. Mitchell has prior convictions for unlawful possession of weapons.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said, “I would like to thank the Danville Police Department for their dedication to defend public safety. By removing another illegally possessed firearm from the hands of a repeat offender they have taken crucial action to protect our citizens.”
