Bloomington man faces armed violence, drug charges

 

Martin Burton faces armed violence and drug charges.
(Photos from the Bloomington Police Department.)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police said a local man threatened someone with a handgun at a west side grocery store, and also had in his possession Ecstasy and crack cocaine.

Police said they were called just before 10 a.m. Monday to the Red & Blue Food Mart on W. Market St. after a man reportedly pointed a gun at someone.

The department’s street crimes unit soon found a man matching the suspect’s description near the intersection of Jefferson St. and Allin St.

Police said they arrested Martin Burton, 21, of Bloomington and found him in possession of a handgun, the drug Ecstasy with an approximate street value of $1,400, and crack cocaine worth $640 on the street.

Police booked Martin for armed violence, possession of the handgun without a Firearm Owners Identification Card, and possession of controlled substances.

Police are still investigating the case and they’re asking anyone with information to contact Detective Moreland at 309-434-2359 or [email protected]

Tips can also be phoned into McLean County Crime Stoppers at 309-828-1111.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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