By Brad Palmer
Benton, IL – A Benton man accused of trying to kill a southern Illinois sheriff by slamming a stolen car into his squad car while fleeing has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Dale Slaton was charged with two counts of attempted murder, aggravated vehicular hijacking, possession of a stolen vehicle and aggravated battery. The charges stem from a May 2007 rampage in which Slaton stole a vehicle and attempted to run over his brother, then stole a second vehicle resulting in a high speed chase that eventually ended when Slaton rammed Johnson County Sheriff Elry Faulkner's squad car.
Slaton received an additional aggravated battery charge after he attacked a guard while incarcerated in the Franklin County jail.
Franklin County State's Attorney Tom Dinn says the verdict means Slaton could now face up to 30 years in a secure mental facility.
