9/23/24 Williamson County, IL – Handcuffed Prisoner Steals Williams County Deputy’s Patrol Car – Tried To Run Over Deputy – Shot Fired At Suspect – Multi-Police Agency Pursuit – Over 100 MPH – Crashed – Rolled Over Suspect Attacked Nurse At Hospital

September 23, 2024

www.kfvs12.com

A man accused of stealing a deputy’s patrol vehicle and trying to run over the deputy is facing a long list of charges in Williamson County.

It all started early Monday morning, September 23 at the Hucks Convenience Store at the intersection of Greenbriar Road and Route 13 in Carterville.

A Williamson County Sheriff’s deputy was at a gas pump and fueling their patrol vehicle and noticed a man arguing and getting aggressive with a clerk outside the store.

This was around 3:20 a.m.

When the deputy approached the man, he reportedly became more aggressive, took off his shirt and began acting erratically.

The store clerk told the deputy that the man, identified as David R. Burke, of West Frankfort, had thrown an object at a parked vehicle, which caused damage.

Burke was handcuffed behind his back and put into the patrol vehicle while the deputy investigated the damage complaint.

When the deputy was talking with several witnesses, the deputy said Burke managed to get into the front seat of the patrol vehicle.

The deputy said Burke drove directly at them and they fired a single round at the suspect.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the bullet hit the driver’s door post between the windshield and door, merely an inch away from hitting Burke.

Burke then drove away from the scene and multiple police agencies were called in to stop him.

The sheriff’s office said Burke led law enforcement on a high-speed chase, with speeds over 100 miles per hour, and through multiple counties.

Stop sticks were deployed multiple times during the chase, but the suspect was able to avoid them.

The sheriff’s office said the chase ended when Burke crashed the patrol vehicle in a wooded area in Perry County.

Burke was taken to a Perry County hospital to get checked out.

While at the hospital, the sheriff’s office said Burke attacked a nurse and a Williamson County deputy.

After he was released from the hospital, Burke was booked into the Williamson County Jail.

Burke is facing the following charges:

• Criminal damage to property
• Theft of a motor vehicle
• Aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle
• Escape
• Resisting/obstructing a peace officer
• Aggravated assault
• Criminal damage to state supported property
• Reckless conduct
• Aggravated fleeing and eluding
• Reckless driving
• Speeding (110/55 mph zone)
• No valid driver’s license
• Improper lane usage
• Disobeying stop sign

The sheriff’s office believes additional charges are likely.

Members of the Johnston City Police Department, Marion Police Department, Christopher Police Department, Carterville Police Department, Herrin Police Department, West Frankfort Police Department, Royalton Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police and Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson assisted.