Three Hospitalized After Shooting and High-Speed Police Chase in Mt. Vernon

MT. VERNON, Ill. – In the early hours of Christmas morning, a shooting and subsequent high-speed police chase unfolded in Mt. Vernon, resulting in three individuals being taken to the hospital. One suspect was arrested, and an investigation is underway.

The incident began when a Mt. Vernon police officer on patrol in the 300 block of South 9th Street witnessed a man, later identified as 20-year-old Maliq I. Petties, firing a handgun and injuring another individual. According to a Facebook post by Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis, the officer immediately approached Petties and issued commands, but Petties refused to comply and fled the scene in a vehicle.

Law enforcement officers initiated a pursuit of Petties, which spanned through Mt. Vernon and reached speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour on Broadway. Petties proceeded to drive northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 57 from Illinois 15, according to a statement from the Mount Vernon Police Department.

As the chase neared the north split, Petties lost control of his vehicle, colliding with a Mt. Vernon squad car. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage as a result of the impact.

Attempting to evade capture, Petties abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. During the foot chase, Petties reached into his waistband, prompting a pursuing officer to fire a single shot. Fortunately, no one was struck by the gunfire, and officers were able to apprehend Petties.

Upon conducting a search of the scene, law enforcement discovered a firearm.

Following the incident, two officers involved in the pursuit were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, both officers were treated and subsequently released.

The victim of the initial shooting was also taken to a local hospital for medical attention. Although the injuries were deemed non-life threatening, the individual was later transferred to a St. Louis area hospital for further evaluation and care.

In accordance with standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, the Illinois State Police have been called in to investigate the discharge of the officer’s firearm and the subsequent traffic crash. Mayor Lewis emphasized that involving an external agency in such cases is a common practice as mandated by Illinois law.

Following his arrest, Petties was transported to the Jefferson County Justice Center. He now faces several charges, including aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated fleeing/attempting to elude, armed violence, resisting arrest, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and a pre-existing Franklin County warrant.

Due to Petties’ combative behavior towards Jefferson County Correctional Officers, a booking photograph was not obtained.

Petties is currently being held at the Jefferson County Justice Center without bail.