Morris Police arrest suspect in shooting of 25-year-old man

The Morris Police Department has arrested Jerrell Blake, 35, Morris, as a suspect in the killing of James Arellano, 25, Morris, who died at 3:12 a.m. Monday due to a gunshot wound.

The Morris Police Department said in a news release Monday morning that a 911 caller said Blake had just shot their friend. Coroner John Callahan released Arellano’s name shortly after the police put out its release Monday morning.

Blake left the scene before police arrived, but police found and detained him at 12:34 a.m. in the 200 block of West Washington Street, transporting him to the Morris Police Department.

The Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office approved first degree murder charges against Blake and police transferred him to the Grundy County Jail.

The Morris Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and detectives and officers will be searching the area between the 600 block of Armstrong and 200 block of West Washington Streets searching for evidence. Anyone who thinks they have evidence they believe is suspicious should call the Morris Poliec Department at 815-942-2131 ext. 8.