Man arrested after attempted hijacking, officers injured at Mount Vernon gas station

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MOUNT VERNON, Ill., (KBSI) — A St. Louis man was arrested Saturday afternoon after an attempted vehicle hijacking and a confrontation that left two Mount Vernon police officers injured, authorities said.

Officers were called at about 1:16 p.m. Jan. 31 to the Mach 1 gas station at 1409 S. 42nd St. for a report of a man attempting to enter vehicles. Police identified the suspect as Aaron Prikasky, 46, of St. Louis, who matched the description provided.

According to police, Prikasky attacked an officer when approached and then fled on foot. During the pursuit, the officer slipped on a patch of ice and injured his knee. Police said Prikasky then attempted to steal an unoccupied, locked vehicle parked at a gas pump, but was unsuccessful as the officer closed in.

Authorities said Prikasky next attempted to steal a running, unlocked semi-truck. Officers caught up with him, and a second officer arrived to assist. Prikasky continued to resist and fight officers before being subdued following the deployment of a Taser. Both officers sustained minor injuries.

Police later determined Prikasky had also attempted to hijack an occupied vehicle at the gas pumps shortly before officers arrived. Investigators said Prikasky’s vehicle had broken down on the interstate prior to the incident, prompting him to go to the gas station.

Prikasky was taken to the Jefferson County Jail and charged with attempted vehicular hijacking, two counts of attempted vehicle theft, two counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and criminal damage to property.

Authorities noted that charges are allegations and that Prikasky is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.