WASHINGTON PARK — Illinois State Police special agents have arrested a Belleville man in connection with a shooting that left a victim with life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

Charles E. Little Jr., 40, was arrested by Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Major Crimes Unit special agents.

The charges are as follows: Attempted First Degree Murder (Class X Felony), Aggravated Battery (Class X Felony), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Repeat Felony Offender (Class X Felony).

The Washington Park Police Department requested state police assistance on April 20, 2026, with an investigation into a shooting in the area of 47th Street and Caseyville Avenue, according to Illinois State Police. Officers responded to a report of a subject down and found a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, police said. The victim was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

After what police described as a “swift and thorough investigation,” Zone 6 Major Crimes and PSEG special agents identified Little as the suspect and took him into custody, state police said.

On April 24, 2026, the case was presented to St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric and the charges were filed, police said. Little is being held at the St. Clair County Jail pending his first court appearance.

The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, police said.