Herrin Man Arrested Following High Speed Chase Through Two Area Counties

A 32-year-old Herrin man was arrested following a high speed chase through Fayette and Marion Counties early Monday morning.

Christopher Gibson was taken to the Fayette County Jail at Vandalia on an initial arrest for fleeing and eluding police.  He also had a Williamson County warrant for aggravated battery to a police officer.

Marion County Sheriff’s officials say the chase entered the county on Route 37 south of Farina, continued to the Main and Broadway intersection in Salem, and then went west on US 50 to Sandoval.  At Sandoval, Centralia Police put out stop sticks and blew all four tires on the pickup Gibson was driving.  However, he continued northbound on US 51 until the Tonti Road when the vehicle stopped running.  Gibson reportedly got out of the truck but did not attempt to flee.

Speeds during the chase in Marion County reached as high as 80 miles per hour.

It was not immediately known where the chase began.   The Marion County Sheriff’s Department was notified the chase was coming into the county around 1:30 Monday morning.   Salem and Central City Police also assisted during portions of the attempt to stop the vehicle.