By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington man, who held police at bay for five hours Sunday, is being held for allegedly having a gun and ammunition that he was forbidden to have because of a previous mental illness.
McLean County prosecutors on Tuesday filed a felony and misdemeanor charge against Cody Powell, 31, of the 1400 block of West Locust Street.
At a bond hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Aaron Fredrick said police were called to the West Locust street home because Powell was threatening people in the neighborhood and hurling items at passing motorists.
During the standoff, Powell reportedly tossed a partially wrapped 12 gauge shotgun outside and threw a bullet at a police officer.
Powell surrendered and his son was unharmed. Police said they obtained a warrant to search the home and found 218 rounds of ammunition for various weapons.
Authorities say Powell’s Firearm Owners Identification Card was revoked because he was a patient six years ago at McFarland Mental Health Center in Springfield.
Judge Lee Ann Hill set bond at $50,000, half the amount recommended by prosecutors. Powell would have to post $5,035 to be released from jail.
If he’s released, Powell is prohibited from having contact with his son and the boy’s mother.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
