On January 6, 2026, deputies with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the United States Marshals Service, conducted surveillance in the area of the 500 block of Losey Street in Galesburg, Illinois, in an effort to locate a wanted subject.
During surveillance, the suspect was observed at a residence in the area. When law enforcement officers attempted to take the suspect into custody, he attempted to flee but was subsequently located hiding within a concealed crawl space inside the residence. The male subject was taken into custody without incident.
Following the arrest, a court-authorized search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence. During the execution of the warrant, investigators located and seized a firearm and items of drug paraphernalia.
ARRESTED – JAMAR WHITESIDE-BANKS
B/M, 31, DOB: 12/26/1994
As a result of the investigation, Jamar Whiteside-Banks was taken into custody by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office on multiple active arrest warrants issued by Knox, Peoria, and Henry Counties. Those warrants include allegations of the following offenses:
• Knox County – Possession of a Weapon by a Felon
• Knox County – Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Reckless Driving, and Speeding 35+ MPH Over the Posted Limit
• Peoria County – Home Invasion
• Henry County – Failure to Appear
Additional charges are pending review at this time.
Whiteside-Banks was transported to the Knox County Jail, where he was processed in accordance with standard procedures.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges and appreciates the cooperation and assistance provided by the Knox County State’s Attorney’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Galesburg Police Department during this operation.
Sheriff Jack Harlan Jr. stated that the safety of the Knox County community, along with the safety of his deputies and partner agencies, remains his highest priority. He emphasized that proactive enforcement efforts and interagency cooperation play a critical role in removing wanted individuals from the community and enhancing overall public safety.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
***Courtesy of the Knox County Sheriff’s Department Facebook Page***
