Beecher Woman, 40, Arrested After Bringing Loaded Gun Into Courthouse: Sheriff

KANKAKEE COUNTY — A Beecher woman was arrested last week after reportedly bringing a loaded handgun into the Kankakee County Courthouse, authorities said.

Shortly before 9 a.m. July 17, Kankakee County Sheriff's deputies assigned to Courthouse Security at the Kankakee County Courthouse recovered a loaded firearm after a woman was found to have a handgun in her purse while passing through the routine security screening process.

Deputies immediately secured the firearm—a Smith & Wesson handgun loaded with a full magazine and a round chambered—as well as two additional loaded magazines, the sheriff's office said.

The woman, identified as 40-year-old Rachel E. Kane-Coffman of Beecher, was taken into custody without incident.

Kane-Coffman, who is a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License holder, was arrested for carry concealed firearm in a court building, and carry/possess firearm in public.

"I want to commend our sheriff’s deputies assigned to Courthouse Security for their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to protecting everyone who enters our courthouse," said Sheriff Mike Downey. "Because of their attentiveness and the effectiveness of our routine security screening procedures, a loaded firearm was detected and secured before it entered the secured area of the courthouse. While we do not know the individual's intentions and are not suggesting there was any plan to harm anyone, this incident reinforces the importance of the screening measures we have in place.

"Our deputies approach every security screening with the same level of professionalism and attention to detail, regardless of who is entering the courthouse. Their diligence helps ensure that our courthouse remains a safe, secure, and gun-free environment for everyone conducting business within the building, and we are grateful for the outstanding work they perform each and every day."