A Jersey County man remained in jail Friday after being arrested on drug and other charges following a police pursuit from Alton to near Jerseyville.
Alton Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle Tuesday night in Alton, but the driver refused to stop, leading them into Jersey County, where Jersey County Sheriff’s Department deputies joined the pursuit, according to Sheriff Nicholas J. Manns.
According to a sheriff’s department report, the driver entered a field on West Centennial Road, causing the car to become immobilized.
The male driver fled on foot, while a female passenger was held in the automobile. The driver was Tased and apprehended nearby, according to the report. Deputies stated that more than an ounce of crystal methamphetamine was discovered.
The passenger was arrested on unspecified allegations.
On Thursday, Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten charged the driver, Tony K. Price, 48, of Kane, with methamphetamine trafficking, felony aggravated flight and attempting to elude, and misdemeanor driving while license revoked.
Methamphetamine trafficking is a Class X felony, the highest serious classification of crime in Illinois, aside from first-degree murder. A conviction might result in a sentence of 12 to 60 years in prison.
On Friday, Price was being held in the Jersey County Jail. Prosecutors have filed a petition to deny pre-trial release.
