Man arrested after high-speed pursuit ends in crash in Williamson County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) — A 23-year-old man faces multiple charges after leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit Thursday that ended in a crash.

Johnston City Police Chief J.D. Barter said an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop in Johnston City after observing suspended license plates. Authorities said the driver, identified as Jesse Lawler, had recently been cited by Illinois State Police for driving with suspended plates and a suspended license.

Police said Lawler fled toward the Herrin area as the officer approached the vehicle. Additional agencies, including the Herrin Police Department, Energy Police Department and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, assisted in the pursuit.

The chase ended on Illinois Route 13 at Old Bainbridge Trail after officers conducted a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle.

Lawler is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, driving on a suspended license and criminal damage to government property. He was lodged in the Williamson County Jail and remained in custody as of Friday afternoon.

All charges are allegations, and Lawler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.