Man arrested after motorcycle chase in Williamson County

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – A man faces several charges after the Williamson County sheriff says he led them on a motorcycle chase.

Billy J. Jeralds faces charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest, violation of sex offender registry, duty to register, driving while license suspended, no valid driver’s license, reckless driving, speeding, no valid registration, failure to signal when required, disobey stop sign, operating uninsured vehicle and improper lane usage.

Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich and two deputies were conducting crime suppression patrol operations throughout Williamson County on November 9 around 12:04 a.m.

While traveling in the area of Oak Street and 22nd Street, they saw a man driving a black motorcycle with no registration.

The patrol vehicles emergency lighting system was activated and they tried to pull the vehicle over.
However, the motorcycle driver, identified as Billy J. Jeralds, looked over his shoulder at the patrol vehicle, accelerated the motorcycle, and continued westbound on Oak Street at approximately 70 mph, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

As Jeralds approached 27th Street, he began braking and turned right (north) onto 27th Street. While making the right hand turn, he failed to use a turn signal, drove in the opposite lane of traffic to make a wide turn, and failed to stop at the stop sign, according to the sheriff’s office.

He again accelerated at a high speed and continued north on 27th Street.

As Jeralds approached the railroad tracks near the intersection of 27th Street and Walnut, he left the road to the west and drove over the railroad tracks.

Jeralds crossed Walnut Street and became stuck in a yard. A deputy got out of the patrol vehicle and unsuccessfully tried to grab him.

He then continued to recklessly flee throughout multiple blocks, riding through residential lawns, traveling in opposite lanes and violating numerous traffic laws, according to the sheriff’s office.

Jeralds crossed West Tyler Street and entered a field near 501 North 33rd Street. Then, his motorcycle became stuck in the field. He began running northwest on foot.

Jeralds was chased by the patrol vehicle across the field for approximately 20 yards before catching up to him in a backyard in the 500 block of North 35th Street.

Sheriff Diederich got out of the patrol vehicle and chased Jeralds on foot as he continued to run. He was given numerous warnings to stop.

As Jeralds ran through the residential area, Sheriff Diederich and a deputy arriving on the opposite side of a building were able to corner him.

Jeralds resisted efforts to take him into custody. Authorties used a taser.

He was arrested.

After being read his Miranda rights Jeralds was asked why he was running. Jeralds told authorities “because I have a warrant,”according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Diederich told Jeralds that he did not have an active warrant for his arrest.

Jeralds was discovered to be out of compliance with the requirements to register as a sex offender.

He was taken to the Williamson County Jail.

The Herrin Police Department assisted the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.