WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) -- A man is in custody after authorities said he stole a patrol vehicle and tried to run over a deputy.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office reported at 3:20 a.m. on September 23, a deputy responded inside the Huck's Convenience Store at Illinois Route 13 and Greenbriar Road in Carterville after a store clerk asked for help.
The deputy was getting gas at a fuel pump at the time when this took place. The sheriff's office said the deputy saw a man causing a disturbance inside and was removing his shirt and being aggressive.
The suspect, identified as David R. Burke of West Frankfort, also threw an item at a parked vehicle outside and caused damage to it, authorities said.
Burke was then handcuffed and placed in the patrol vehicle. At this time, the deputy then began investigating the complaint of the damage.
The sheriff's office said Burke forced his way through the transport cage in the patrol car, into the driver's seat and then started to drive toward the deputy. The deputy then fired his weapon at the suspect.
A report from the sheriff's office stated the deputy narrowly avoided being ran over and then Burke drove away with the patrol vehicle. The shot which was fired was described as hitting the drivers door post between the windshield and door and was close to hitting the suspect.
A pursuit started with multiple agencies joined in on and at times reaching speeds of more than 100 mph, authorities described.
The pursuit led through multiple counties and finally ended when the vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in a wooded area in Perry County. The suspect was then taken into custody without further incident.
The sheriff's office said there were no injuries but Burke was taken to the hospital to be checked out.
“This is the type of heroic action taken by law enforcement across the country every day. We are thankful for the safety of the public and our Deputy�, stated Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office broke down the following charges Burke faces from the incident...
- Criminal Damage To Property (A class 4 Felony)
- Theft Of A Motor Vehicle (A class 2 Felony)
- Aggravated Possession Of A Stolen Vehicle (A class 1 Felony)
- Escape (A class 1 Felony)
- Resisting/Obstructing A Peace Officer (A class A Misdemeanor)
- Aggravated Assault (A class 3 Felony)
- Criminal Damage To State Supported Property (A class 2 Felony)
- Criminal Damage To State Supported Property (A class 2 Felony)
- Reckless Conduct (A class A Misdemeanor)
- Aggravated Fleeing & Eluding (A class 4 Felony)
- Reckless Driving (A class A Misdemeanor)
- Speeding (110/55 mph zone) (A class A Misdemeanor)
- No Valid Drivers License (A class A Misdemeanor)
- Improper Lane Usage
- Improper Lane Usage
- Disobeying Stop Sign
- Disobeying Stop Sign
- Additional charges are anticipated.
After medical clearance Burke will be taken to the Williamson County Jail.
Assisting the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office in this matter was the Johnston City Police Department, Marion Police Department, Christopher Police Department, Carterville Police Department, Herrin Police Department, West Frankfort Police Department, Royalton Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, and Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson.
The investigation is ongoing.
