Suspect arrested for running down Illinois deputy laying down spike strips

A fleeing suspect who hit and killed an Illinois deputy laying down spike strips in a bid to slow his speeding vehicle has been arrested.

Daylon Richardson is facing two counts of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated fleeing/eluding authorities, according to a press release. The charges stem from an incident that kicked off at the Circle K convenience store on Friday around 8 a.m.

Galesburg police responded to the gas station in Henry County to investigate reports of a man with a gun and quickly identified a suspicious vehicle traveling nearby. When they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect took off, leading officers on a chase along U.S. Highway 150.

A Knox County Deputy assisting in the pursuit was laying down spike strips across the intersection of Highway 150 and 150 Avenue when he was hit by the suspect’s vehicle.

The driver, who was later identified as Richardson, continued driving down the highway before crashing in a nearby field. He was captured following a brief foot chase with officers.

The name of the Knox County Deputy has not been released pending the notification of relatives.

Richardson was being held on Saturday at the Henry County Jail without bond.

With News Wire Services