A 41-year-old Odin man faces multiple charges after leading Centralia Police on a lengthy high-speed chase that ended south of Odin.
James Williams of Pine Avenue was eventually stopped near his home in Royal Lakes and charged with fleeing and attempting to elude police, armed violence, unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Centralia Police say the incident began late Thursday night when they attempted to stop Williams at 3rd and Lincoln due to an expired registration. Instead of stopping, Williams allegedly sped up and zig-zagged through town disobeying one stop light and four stop signs while traveling at more than 45 miles over the speed limit. Once on Green Street, Williams allegedly traveled at more than 100 miles an hour before turning north on Odin Road to the Royal Lakes area where he resides.
Police say after stopping his car on his own, Williams allegedly fought police trying to take him into custody. An attempt was made to taze Williams, but it didn’t work due to his heavy coat. After being handcuffed, police searched his car and allegedly found a 12 gauge shotgun with one bullet in the chamber. Police also allegedly had body armor and a drug pipe in his possession.
Williams reportedly threw a gun out of the vehicle during the chase. Salem Canine Sivka was called out and found the handgun which had ten rounds inside, but none in the chamber.
Williams is being held in the Marion County Jail pending a decision on formal charges and a first appearance in court on Monday.
