****Photo Credit- Williamson County Sheriff’s Department****
A West Frankfort man is facing multiple charges following an incident early Monday morning in which he stole a patrol vehicle from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and attempted to run over a deputy.
David R. Burke has been charged with Criminal Damage to Property, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Escape, Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer, Aggravated Assault, and Damaging State Supported Property, along with several motor vehicle and traffic violations. More charges are expected to be filed.
The incident began around 3:20 a.m. at Huck’s located on Illinois 13 at Greenbriar Road in Carterville. A store clerk alerted a deputy who was refueling his patrol vehicle about Burke, who was outside the store creating a disturbance and arguing aggressively with the clerk. Burke reportedly threw an object at a parked vehicle, causing damage.
As the deputy approached, he observed Burke acting erratically, including removing his shirt and displaying signs of impairment. Burke was arrested and placed in the patrol vehicle while the deputy investigated the damage complaint.
While the deputy spoke to witnesses, Burke managed to break through the transport cage of the patrol car and access the driver’s seat. In a bid to escape, he drove the patrol vehicle directly at the deputy, who fired a single shot at Burke. The deputy narrowly avoided being hit as Burke fled in the stolen vehicle.
Local law enforcement agencies joined the pursuit, which reached speeds exceeding 100 mph. Officers attempted to deploy stop sticks, but Burke evaded them successfully.
After traveling through several counties, the stolen vehicle left the roadway and came to a stop in a wooded area of rural Perry County, where Burke was taken into custody without further incident.
Although no injuries were reported, Burke was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. Once medically cleared, he will be taken to the Williamson County Jail.
The deputy’s shot struck the driver’s door post just inches away from hitting Burke.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to various local police departments and the Illinois State Police for their assistance in this case. The investigation is ongoing.
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