The Marion County State’s Attorney’s office has filed seven felony charges against a 21-year-old Centralia man in connection with a crash Centralia Police say he intentionally caused.
James Branch of South Lincoln has been charged with three counts of aggravated DUI, two counts of reckless conduct with great bodily harm, and two counts of aggravated reckless driving with intent to do great bodily harm.
Bond on the warrant issued for Branch’s arrest was $50,000. He was picked up on Monday by Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies. Branch also was issued several traffic tickets in connection with the incident.
Centralia Police Department reports indicate Branch was reportedly depressed and suicidal on September 1st when he intentionally traveled the wrong direction on Elm Street at Interstate speeds and crashed into an oncoming car.
The driver of the car, 27-year-old Asia Agin of East McCord in Centralia, and a passenger, 19-year-old Alexandria Koch of Gragg Street, were both taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.
