Carbondale man arrested after pepper spray incident

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — A 78-year-old Carbondale man was arrested after police said he swerved his vehicle toward protesters and later sprayed pepper spray at one person.

Carbondale police responded around 2:57 p.m. Sunday to the 100 block of West Main Street for a report of a vehicle swerving at people protesting in the roadway, according to a news release.

Officers said the suspect, identified as Douglas H. Wells, drove to the area a second time, stopped in the roadway and discharged pepper spray at a victim who had approached his vehicle. No one was struck by the vehicle, and the victim did not require medical treatment, police said.

Wells was later found at his residence and arrested. He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (vehicle) and aggravated battery. He was taken to the Jackson County Jail, where he is being held pending a detention hearing.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the City of Carbondale Police Department at 618-549-2121 or call Carbondale/SIU Crime Stoppers at 618-549-COPS (2677). Anonymous tips may also be submitted online.