CARTEVILLE – A West Frankfort man is facing several charges after stealing a Williamson County Sheriff’s patrol vehicle and attempting to run over a deputy with it early Monday morning.

According to the sheriff’s office, David R. Burke was cited for Criminal Damage to Property, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Escape, Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer, Aggravated Assault, Damaging State Supported Property along with several motor vehicle and traffic violations. Additional charges are anticipated. 

This all started around 3:20 a.m. at Huck’s on Illinois 13 at Greenbriar Road in Carterville.

A store clerk summoned a deputy filling up his patrol vehicle and saw Burke causing a disturbance while arguing and becoming aggressive with the clerk outside the store’s entrance. Burke had allegedly thrown an object at parked vehicle causing damage.

While approaching the suspect and clerk, the deputy saw unusual and aggressive behavior including Burke removing his shirt, acting erratic, and showing signs consistent with impairment. He was then arrested and put in the patrol vehicle. The deputy began investigating the complaint of criminal damage.

While the deputy was speaking to several witnesses, Burke forced his way through the patrol cars transport cage gaining access to the driver’s seat.

Burke, in his attempt to escape, drove the patrol vehicle directly at the deputy who fired a single round from their duty weapon at the suspect. The deputy narrowly avoided being run over and Burke fled in the patrol vehicle. Other local law enforcement agencies joined the sheriff’s office in a pursuit with speeds over 100 mph. Several attempts were made to deploy stop sticks however, Burke was able to evade them.

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.

No injuries were observed however, Burke was transported to an area hospital out of an abundance of caution. Upon medical clearance Burke will be taken to Williamson County Jail.

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.

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.

This remains an ongoing investigation.