CENTRALIA, Ill. — A 41-year-old man from Odin faces multiple charges after leading Centralia Police on a high-speed chase that ended south of Odin.
James Williams of Pine Avenue was arrested near his home in Royal Lakes after fleeing police during an attempted traffic stop. He was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude police, armed violence, unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The chase began late Thursday night when Centralia Police attempted to stop Williams at 3rd and Lincoln due to an expired registration. Instead of stopping, Williams allegedly sped away, zig-zagging through town, running one stoplight and four stop signs while exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 miles per hour. On Green Street, he reportedly reached speeds over 100 miles an hour before turning onto Odin Road toward the Royal Lakes area, where he lives.
Once near his residence, Williams allegedly stopped his vehicle and resisted arrest. Attempts to use a Taser were unsuccessful due to Williams’ heavy coat. After he was handcuffed, officers searched his vehicle and reported finding a 12-gauge shotgun with one bullet in the chamber, body armor, and a drug pipe.
During the chase, Williams also allegedly threw a gun from his vehicle. Salem Canine Sivka was deployed and located the handgun, which contained ten rounds but no bullet in the chamber.
Williams is currently held in the Marion County Jail, awaiting formal charges and his first court appearance on Monday.
