Normal, IL — In a significant development following the unsettling home invasion and sexual assault at an Illinois State University off-campus dwelling last Saturday, the Normal Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect. On Sunday, April 29, 2024, authorities detained 26-year-old Lamar A. James, a resident of Normal, IL, reportedly linking him to the crimes reported on April 28.
The initial incident, which stirred concerns within the university community, occurred in the early hours in the 200 block of W. Willow Street. A male intruder reportedly entered the apartment through an unlocked door, confronted and threatened one occupant, and sexually assaulted another before fleeing the scene. The swift response from law enforcement included a comprehensive investigation by Normal PD detectives and crime scene technicians, ultimately leading to the identification and capture of James.
Facing preliminary charges of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault and Home Invasion, both Class X felonies, James’s case will be reviewed by the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office. As the legal process moves forward, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation remains active, with the Normal Police Department urging anyone with additional information to contact NPD Detective M. Searby at 309-454-9535 or msearby@normalil.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Tip411 service by texting NORMALPD to 847411, or through the Normal PD app.
