CARTERVILLE, Ill. (WJPF) – A West Frankfort man is in custody after stealing a police car and leading law enforcement on a chase that topped speeds of 100 miles per hour.
According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the incident started around 3:20 a.m. Monday at the Carterville Huck’s on Greenbriar Road, near John A Logan College.
The WCSO says a deputy was refueling his squad car when David Burke began arguing with a store employee. Police say Burke acted erratically, removing his shirt and throwing items at a parked vehicle.
The deputy placed Burke in handcuffs and then in the squad car. The sheriff’s office says while the deputy was speaking with witnesses, David Burke forced his way through the patrol car’s transport cage and into the front seat. They say he put the SUV in drive and tried to run over the deputy. The deputy fired a shot, missing Burke by inches and Burke sped off.
The chase ended miles away in Perry County when Burke wrecked the squad car. He was taken to an area hospital for evaluation and then to the Williamson County Jail.
No police officers or innocent bystanders were hurt. The squad car appears to be totaled.
