Police chase ends in head-on collision, felony charges

CHRISTOPHER, Ill., (KBSI) — A police chase that began in Sesser ended in a head-on collision in Waltonville, leaving a suspect facing multiple felony charges.

The pursuit began early Sunday morning, with the suspect vehicle fleeing north on Illinois Route 148 at a high speed. The chase continued into Waltonville, where the suspect made a U-turn and intentionally drove toward a Christopher police squad car.

The collision caused significant damage to both vehicles. Officers used tasers to subdue the suspect, who was taken to a hospital for evaluation and later released to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, Scott T. Danaha, 54, of Sandovall, faces charges including aggravated fleeing, reckless driving and aggravated battery to a peace officer.

A Christopher police officer involved in the incident was treated at a hospital and released with no major injuries.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.