In the early morning hours on Friday, July 24th, Galesburg Police Officers conducted a self-initiated bar check at The Grand Tap at 2100 Grand Avenue in Galesburg. While monitoring the bar’s new beer garden, officers observed 28-year old Calvin Christopher Spinks of Galesburg in the area of the parking lot. Officers were advised that Spinks had a valid Knox County Warrant for escape. According to police reports, Spinks was then observed getting into an unregistered vehicle and began consuming alcohol while in the passenger seat. Officers were also advised that Spinks was known to be in possession of a firearm. After approaching Spinks and notifying him of the warrant, a struggle ensued while trying to detain him. During the struggle, patrons of the bar gathered around and began throwing beer bottles and cups at the officers. Additional agency assistance was requested from the State Police, Knox County Sheriff, and Abingdon Police. It was also believed that Spinks was trying to conceal items under a nearby vehicle. As Spinks continued to resist arrest, officers deployed a taser and were eventually able to place him in custody. After Spinks was placed in a vehicle, officers searched the area and discovered what field-tested positive for cannabis, a .22 caliber handgun that did not display any visible identification numbers, and five rounds of ammunition. Spinks was then booked at the Public Safety Building and charged for Felon in Possession of a firearm, Violation of the FOID Card Act, Resisting a peace officer, defacement of a firearm, and unlawful possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle.
