Deputy injured, suspect arrested after stolen vehicle pursuit in Herrin

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

HERRIN, Ill., (KBSI) — A Williamson County sheriff’s deputy was injured Saturday evening after a suspect rammed a patrol vehicle and fled the scene in a stolen car, authorities said.

Deputies located a vehicle reported stolen out of West Frankfort around 4:43 p.m. in a parking lot near 16th and Monroe streets in Herrin. The vehicle, occupied by a man later identified as Kyle E. Kalaher, of West Frankfort, was boxed in by four patrol units to prevent escape, according to the sheriff’s office.

When deputies attempted a felony stop, Kalaher allegedly accelerated in reverse, ramming a patrol vehicle multiple times to force an opening. A deputy was injured during the incident as Kalaher fled the scene.

Deputies pursued the suspect south on Illinois Route 148 and east on Illinois Route 13. The stolen vehicle struck another car at the intersection of Route 13 and Bainbridge Road while attempting to pass between two vehicles at a stoplight.

Kalaher was taken into custody and transported to a hospital after claiming to have ingested a large amount of methamphetamine and as a precaution following the crash. The injured deputy was transported by ambulance to Deaconess Illinois Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition with leg and neck injuries.

A search of the stolen vehicle uncovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Deputies said Kalaher has an extensive felony record, including prior convictions for vehicle theft, burglary and drug-related offenses.

Kalaher faces multiple charges, including:

Aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle (Class 1 felony)

Possession of a stolen vehicle (Class 2 felony)

Aggravated battery to a peace officer causing injury (Class 2 felony)

Criminal damage to state-supported property (Class 3 felony)

Possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony)

Aggravated fleeing and eluding (Class 3 felony, two counts)

Aggravated assault (Class 4 felony, three counts)

Criminal damage to property (Class 4 felony)

Reckless driving (Class A misdemeanor)

Driving while license revoked (Class A misdemeanor)

Aggravated speeding (Class A misdemeanor)

Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor)

Multiple traffic violations, including improper lane usage and disobeying traffic control devices (petty offenses)

Kalaher was booked into the Williamson County Jail.