CARRIER MILLS, Ill. — A high speed chase in Carrier Mills last night (June 4, 2014) may be a sign that some people just don’t learn from past mistakes.
The chase began when Carrier Mills Police Officer Billy Duncan attempted to initiate a traffic stop at 9:51 p.m.
Authorities say that Troy Lee Ash, 54, of Marion, who was driving on a suspended license, sped away and Duncan followed.
The chase was ended in approximately three minutes time when Ash’s vehicle slid on the wet pavement of an intersection in Carrier Mills, causing a collision. Ash then attempted to exit the vehicle and flee on foot, but Duncan ordered him to halt, drawing his gun and pointing it at Ash.
This might sound like an overreaction on Duncan’s part, but there was plenty of cause. Duncan told Disclosure he wasn’t giving him any chance this time.
And what Duncan meant was that he had learned from a previous encounter of nearly the same sort with Ash on September 24th, 2013.
On that date, Ash had been spotted by Duncan while he was patrolling, and Duncan attempted to initiate a traffic stop for an active arrest warrant he was aware of that had been issued for Ash’s arrest. Duncan chased Ash by vehicle, and then on foot. Ash fled into a wooded area in the East End area of Carrier Mills. After trying to coax Ash out of the woods, officers eventually had to go in and assist Ash, who had become ensnared in a briar patch and was stuck.
Now, nine months later, Ash has shown that he apparently learned nothing from past experiences.
Duncan was assisted by Saline County Deputies Gooch and Williams after the chase. Ash has been charged with Aggravated Fleeing to Elude and Driving While Suspended, and will likely receive additional charges of Speeding 65+ in a 25 MPH Zone, Driving Uninsured, Improper Lane Usage, two charges of Disobeying a Stop Sign, and Illegal Transportation of Alcohol.
Additionally, Ash was, like last year, caught while driving an unnamed female’s vehicle…the same unnamed woman as last time. She too will likely be ticketed for allowing Ash to operate her vehicle without a license and without insurance.