Alton Man Sentenced to 14 Years After Firing Handgun Into Housing Complex, Pleads Guilty to Weapons Charges

EDWARDSVILLE, Illinois — A 29-year-old Alton man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to weapons charges in connection with a 2024 shooting at an Alton housing complex.

The defendant, Raquan Taylor, admitted to unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon and reckless discharge of a firearm. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped more serious charges of armed habitual criminal and aggravated discharge of a firearm.

Shooting in Alton Acres Housing Complex

According to court records, on June 29, 2024, Taylor allegedly fired a 9 mm handgun into a building at the Alton Acres housing complex, knowing it was occupied. He was also accused of recklessly firing the gun in the area of West Third Street in Alton.

Surveillance footage later showed him discharging the firearm into the air in the Alton business district near the housing complex. Police recovered clothing worn during the shooting, and Taylor admitted to firing the weapon at both locations.

Criminal History and Prior Convictions

Prosecutors noted that Taylor’s record included a 2014 armed robbery conviction in Madison County and a 2022 conviction for unlawful possession of weapons in Adams County.

Taylor had been released on parole in May 2024, just weeks before the June shooting incident.

Jail Incidents Dismissed

Taylor also faced unrelated charges of mob action in two incidents at the Madison County Jail on June 14 and July 2, 2024, when he and several other inmates allegedly attacked another prisoner. Those charges were later dismissed.

The case underscores the risks of repeat firearm offenses in Illinois communities. For more updates on crime and justice in Illinois, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.