BLOOMINGTON — An 18-year-old faces multiple felony charges following an altercation at a local Taco Bell in August, where he allegedly brandished a firearm at employees.
Phillip Hicks was apprehended on September 4, nearly a month after the incident. He is charged with theft of a firearm and intimidation, both Level 5 felonies, as well as criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, a Level 6 felony.
Court documents reveal that Bloomington police responded to a disturbance at the West Third Street Taco Bell on August 16 around 9:30 p.m. Employees reported two men fighting inside the restaurant, with one wielding a gun. The suspects had fled the scene before police arrived.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed one man punching an employee, while Hicks was identified as the individual who allegedly drew a black and silver handgun, waving and pointing it at workers. Both men were then seen fleeing the premises.
Hicks eluded authorities until September 4, when an officer patrolling near West Tapp Road and Interstate 69 recognized his vehicle. After observing a traffic violation, the officer conducted a stop and identified Hicks as the driver. During the encounter, Hicks informed the officer he had a firearm but wouldn’t reach for it.
Upon inspection, the handgun recovered from Hicks matched the serial number of a previously reported stolen weapon.
Hicks is currently held in jail awaiting a bail review hearing scheduled for September 24. The second individual involved in the incident is still at large with an active warrant for misdemeanor battery.
This case underscores the serious consequences of firearm-related offenses and highlights the persistent efforts of local law enforcement in resolving open investigations.
