A 25-year-old man who lists a Country Club Hills address in suburban Chicago was arrested at a Centralia home Wednesday for attempted murder and other charges in connection with a February shooting in Central City.
Joerquez Pickett was taken to the Marion County Jail for alleged attempted murder, reckless discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. A final decision on charges and a first appearance in court will occur later on Thursday.
Central City Police Chief Jamie Ramsey says Pickett was wanted in connection with the February shooting of a Centralia man outside the home where his girlfriend resided on West Hardin Street. After the alleged victim fell to the ground following the initial shots, Ramsey said Pickett continued to fire multiple shots. The shooting was apparently the result of a domestic problem.
The alleged victim was initially taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia before being transferred to a St. Louis Hospital. Ramsey says the victim has recovered from his injuries.
Pickett was arrested by Centralia Police and the US Marshal’s Service at a home on Case Street without incident around 4:15 Wednesday afternoon.
Ramsey said Pickett allegedly fled the February shooting on foot, crossed the railroad tracks, and got into a vehicle. The vehicle was found later that day abandoned at the same address on Case Street where Pickett was arrested on Wednesday.
