Man arrested after high speed chase in Williamson & Franklin counties

(KBSI) – A man faces several charges after a high speed chase with sheriff’s deputies in Williamson and Franklin counties on Thursday.

Malik L. Felton faces charges of reckless driving, speeding 89/55, speeding 62/35, two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding, two counts of disobeying a traffic control device, and driving while license suspended.

“This is another example of area law enforcement working together to ensure public safety,” said Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich.

On July 6, around 1:36 a.m., the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office assisted Franklin County sheriff’s deputies who were chasing a vehicle on Interstate 57 near the 59 mile marker.

Just north of Union Road on Illinois Route 37 in Johnston City the suspect vehicle was seen traveling southbound at 89 miles per hour, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect vehicle left its lane of travel and drove head-on toward a Williamson County patrol vehicle that was traveling northbound, according to the sheriff’s office. The deputy was forced off the road to avoid a major crash.

The deputy turned his patrol vehicle around and entered the chase.

The suspect vehicle then turned west onto 14th Street from Jefferson Street and stopped in the middle of the road at the intersection of Adams Street.

A man exited the driver door and ran on foot traveling south on Adams Street. Felton was arrested a short time later by deputies near the intersection of 13th and Jefferson Streets in Johnston City. He was taken by deputies to the Franklin County Detention Center.

Additional charges are expected.