Two Men Arrested After Altercation, Search Near Altamont

Two men have been charged after an altercation and manhunt near Altamont Tuesday night.

Effingham County sheriff's deputies say Roger Combs arrived home about 6:30pm Tuesday and encountered two men on his property east of Altamont. Combs phoned his nephew to come to his property and after his arrival the pair approached the men. Deputies say a scuffle ensued and Combs and his nephew phoned the sheriff's office for assistance. Altamont police were near the area and were the first to respond.

In the meantime, the two men fled and a search began. Darin Deters of the sheriff's department said the search lasted almost four hours and utilized an airplane, a helicopter and K9s along with sheriff's deputies, Altamont police and Illinois State Police. The men were located in a cornfield about 10pm.

20-year-old Rhett Evans of Vandalia has been charged with aggravated battery, burglary and criminal trespass to property, while 26-year-old Travis Nordyke of Vandalia has been charged with criminal trespass to property and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In court Wednesday, Evans' bond was set at $50,000 and he was appointed the Public Defender to represent him in court. Evans is next due in court on August 19. Nordyke's bond Wednesday was set at $1,500. He is free on bond and is due back in court on September 12.