A 41-year-old Odin man faces eight criminal charges in the aftermath of a lengthy high-speed chase from Centralia to Odin late last Thursday night.
James Williams of Pine Avenue was ordered held without bond when making his first appearance in Marion County Court on Monday.
Williams faces two Class X charges of armed violence. He’s accused in both charges of having a gun in his possession while attempting to flee or elude police at a speed of more than 21 miles over the speed limit. The charges carry a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years if convicted.
Williams is also charged with two felony counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude police. He also faces one count apiece for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm for carrying two guns without the required FOID card. Williams faces misdemeanor offenses of unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm ammunition without a firearm owner’s ID card.
Judge Joshua Morrison ordered Williams held without bond following the Monday hearing. The judge found having guns, drugs and body armor in his possession after a high-speed chase, admitting to possession of the items found in the car, and the danger to the public if the incident was to reoccur as reasons to hold Williams without.
The public defender was named to represent Williams who is due back in court January 14th for a preliminary hearing.
