UPDATE: Suspect earns additional charges for attacking a nurse and a WCSO Deputy while being evaluated at a Perry County Hospital. Burke is now in the custody of the Williamson County Jail.
At 3:20am Monday morning, a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was fueling a marked patrol vehicle and was summoned for assistance by a store clerk at Huck's convenience store located at Route 13 and Greenbriar Road in Carterville. The deputy observed the male subject causing a disturbance while arguing and becoming aggressive with the clerk outside the stores entrance.
The clerk reported that the male suspect, identified as David R. Burke of West Frankfort, had thrown an object at a parked vehicle causing damage.
Burke was detained, handcuffed behind his back, and seated in the patrol vehicle.
While the Deputy was speaking to witnesses, Burke forced his way through the patrol car’s transport cage, gaining access to the driver’s seat.
Burke then drove the patrol vehicle directly at the Williamson County Deputy who fired a single round at the suspect. Neither the deputy nor Burke were injured and then Burke fled in the patrol car.
Assisting units from multiple law enforcement agencies joined a pursuit which reached speeds more than 100 mph.
After traveling through multiple counties, the vehicle departed the roadway and came to rest in a wooded area in rural Perry County. Burke was taken into custody without further incident. Burke had no obvious injuries but was transported to an area hospital out of an abundance of caution and is being cited on numerous charges.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Note: Additional information from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office can be read below.
The single round fired by the Deputy struck the driver’s door post between the windshield and door; merely an inch away from striking the suspect.
Burke has been cited for the following:
Criminal Damage To Property
(A class 4 Felony)
Theft Of A Motor Vehicle
(A class 2 Felony)
Aggravated Possession Of A Stolen Vehicle
(A class 1 Felony)
Escape
(A class 1 Felony)
Resisting/Obstructing A Peace Officer
(A class A Misdemeanor)
Aggravated Assault
(A class 3 Felony)
Criminal Damage To State Supported Property
(A class 2 Felony)
Criminal Damage To State Supported Property
(A class 2 Felony)
Reckless Conduct
(A class A Misdemeanor)
Aggravated Fleeing & Eluding
(A class 4 Felony)
Reckless Driving
(A class A Misdemeanor)
Speeding (110/55 mph zone)
(A class A Misdemeanor)
No Valid Drivers License
(A class A Misdemeanor)
Improper Lane Usage
Improper Lane Usage
Disobeying Stop Sign
Disobeying Stop Sign
Additional charges are anticipated.
Upon medical clearance Burke will be transported to and remanded into the custody of the Williamson County Jail.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank 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 for their assistance.
