Charges Filed in Tuesday Incident on Northwest Side

Charges have been filed against the Arkansas man taken into custody after a series of incidents Tuesday afternoon in the northwest part of Effingham.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler has charged 21-year-old Kenny P.T. Warden with DUI, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, aggravated fleeing a police officer and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Kibler said state police in the area were notified by patrons to check a restaurant parking lot off Avenue of Mid America just after 1:30pm regarding a possible collision. As state police responded, Effingham city police were dispatched to a possible hit-and-run near Walmart. The same silver pickup truck mentioned by the patrons to state police was identified as having been involved in the hit-and-run.

Police stopped the vehicle driven by Warden and he gave them his license. Authorities had reason to believe Warden was under the influence, but Warden started the engine and drove off so police gave chase. Warden allegedly disobeyed two traffic control devices before he was stopped again at Raney and Avenue of Mid America. Police say Warden refused to leave his vehicle so they used a baton to gain access to the vehicle and took Warden into custody.

No shots were fired, and no one was injured in the incident.

Kibler said authorities found three loaded guns inside Warden's vehicle, along with a baggie and pipe containing meth residue, a quantity of marijuana, ammunition and an ice pick along with brass knuckles.

Warden is being held in Effingham County Jail. Judge Kimberly Koester set bond at $100,000, and Warden is to make his initial court appearance on Thursday morning.