SOURCE: Williamson County Sheriffs Office/David R Burke
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office a suspect stole a patrol vehicle and attempted to run over a deputy.
On September 23, around 3:20am a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was called for assistance by a store clerk at Hucks convenience store located at Illinois Route 13 and Greenbriar Road in Carterville.
A deputy arrived on scene and saw a man arguing and becoming more and more aggressive with the store clerk outside the stores entrance.
While approaching the suspect and clerk, the Deputy observed unusual and aggressive behavior including the male removing his shirt, acting erratic, and showing signs consistent with impairment.
The store clerk told the deputy that the suspect, David R. Burke of West Frankfort had thrown an object at a parked vehicle causing damage.
Burke was detained, handcuffed behind his back, and seated in the patrol vehicle.
The Deputy began investigating the complaint of criminal damage.
While the Deputy was speaking to several witnesses Burke forced his way through the patrol cars transport cage gaining access to the driver’s seat.
Burke, in his attempt to escape, drove the patrol vehicle directly at the Williamson County Deputy who fired a single round from their duty weapon at the suspect.
The deputy just barely missed being ran over and burke fled in the patrol car.
Multiple law enforcement agencies joined a pursuit which reached speeds in excess of 100 mph.
Multiple attempts were made to deploy stop sticks but, the suspect was able to evade them.
After traveling through multiple counties, the vehicle ran off the roadway and came to a stop in a wooded area in rural Perry County.
Burke was taken into custody.
No injuries were seen but, Burke was taken to an area hospital out of an abundance of caution.
“This is the type of heroic action taken by law enforcement across the country every day. We are thankful for the safety of the public and our Deputy”, stated Sheriff Jeff Diederich.
The single round fired by the Deputy struck the driver’s door post between the windshield and door; merely an inch away from striking the suspect.
Burke faces a long list of charges, and more charges could be added:
Criminal Damage To Property
(A class 4 Felony)
Theft Of A Motor Vehicle
(A class 2 Felony)
Aggravated Possession Of A Stolen Vehicle
(A class 1 Felony)
Escape
(A class 1 Felony)
Resisting/Obstructing A Peace Officer
(A class A Misdemeanor)
Aggravated Assault
(A class 3 Felony)
Criminal Damage To State Supported Property
(A class 2 Felony)
Criminal Damage To State Supported Property
(A class 2 Felony)
Reckless Conduct
(A class A Misdemeanor)
Aggravated Fleeing & Eluding
(A class 4 Felony)
Reckless Driving
(A class A Misdemeanor)
Speeding (110/55 mph zone)
(A class A Misdemeanor)
No Valid Drivers License
(A class A Misdemeanor)
Improper Lane Usage
Improper Lane Usage
Disobeying Stop Sign
Disobeying Stop Sign
Upon medical clearance Burke will be taken to Williamson County Jail.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618.997.6541 or “Submit A Tip” on the Williamson County Sheriff’s App.
