A 29-year-old Centralia man faces numerous charges after initially jumping on the hood of a car, causing issues at two businesses, fighting two police officers, and causing a disturbance at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.
Britton McCray was eventually taken into custody on two counts of aggravated battery to a police officer, two counts of resisting arrest, criminal damage to property, retail theft and possession of methamphetamine.
Centralia Police say the series of events began when McCray jumped onto the hood of a car at McCord and Lincoln Streets and started hollering at the driver to take him to Dollar General. He allegedly kicked and broke the windshield before falling off the car as the driver began moving. McCray allegedly went into the Dollar General Store where he jumped on the checkout counter. Police caught up with him outside Rollem Up where he had allegedly gone inside and damaged a lighter display before allegedly leaving with several lighters.
Police say McCray began spraying officers was wasp spray. When he refused to stop, he was tased. He then allegedly struck two officers multiple times with a clenched fist as they attempted to handcuff him. During a search, he was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and three stolen lighters.
Due to a cut on his hand, McCray was taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment before being transported to jail. He allegedly punched a nurse and bit an officer in the forearm. While attempting to leave the hospital he allegedly broke away from officers and ran a short distance before being tased again and being taken back into custody.
At that point, McCray was taken to the Marion County Jail to await a decision on formal charges.
