Wanted man reports stolen property, ends up back in Williamson County Jail
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A man who called authorities to report stolen property was arrested after deputies discovered he was wanted on two outstanding warrants, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the Pittsburg area around 1 p.m. Sept. 1 after 38-year-old Johnathan A. Ross reported that some of his property had been stolen.
While responding, deputies learned Ross was wanted on a Williamson County warrant for aggravated battery and a Jackson County warrant for aggravated domestic battery.
Deputies contacted Ross at his residence on West Colp Avenue, but authorities said he repeatedly refused to leave the home and surrender. Additional personnel responded before deputies entered the residence and allegedly found Ross hiding in the attic.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies deployed pepper spray after Ross continued refusing commands. Ross eventually came down but allegedly shoved a deputy as authorities attempted to arrest him.
Ross was taken to the Williamson County Jail. He was cited for aggravated battery of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
The sheriff’s office said Ross was also arrested during a March 26 disturbance after deputies discovered he had an active Jackson County warrant. Authorities allege Ross resisted arrest, kicked a deputy several times in the abdomen and struck the deputy with a closed fist.
Ross was cited for aggravated battery of a peace officer and resisting or obstructing a peace officer following that incident.
“Resisting arrest does not prevent an arrest from occurring. It simply makes an otherwise routine encounter more dangerous,” Sheriff Jeff Diederich said.
The theft Ross initially reported remains under investigation. Deputies are working to obtain available video evidence connected to the complaint.
Anyone with information may call the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541 or submit an anonymous tip through the department’s mobile app.
