Police Chief, Sheriff Concerned About Suspects Fleeing the Scene; Advocating for Stiff Sentences

(JAMES FIZER)

Local law enforcement authorities are concerned about actions by suspects in a series of recent crashes, and are advocating for stiff sentences for those guilty of causing the incidents.

The incidents are the result of suspects fleeing crash scenes, even when minor infractions are involved, and the risk such flights from the scene can cause other motorists, the law enforcement community, and the general public.

Just after 10pm Monday, a city police officer attempted a routine traffic stop at Mulberry and Grove. The driver of the vehicle fled from the traffic stop and the vehicle skidded east onto Grove Avenue. The vehicle continued to skid, traveling over a curb and sidewalk before striking and damaging a detached garage owned by Elizabeth VanDelist of Effingham. The vehicle continued through a yard and came to a stop after striking a tree. 

Both the driver, 39-year-old James Fizer of Effingham, and passenger, 39-year-old Jennifer Clifton of Effingham, were injured and were transported by ambulance to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham for treatment.

Fizer was arrested on a notice to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, illegal possession of hypodermic needle or syringe, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, driving while his license is revoked, no valid registration, disobeying a traffic control device, failure to signal when required, driving on a sidewalk, improper lane usage, illegal squealing or screeching of tires, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Clifton was arrested and given a notice to appear for possession of meth, illegal possession of a hypodermic needle or syringe, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities say there has been a sharp increase in 2021 of suspects fleeing or attempting to elude peace officers in both Effingham City and Effingham County. Records for both agencies show a combined total of vehicles, motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles fleeing or attempting to elude peace officers occurred 18 times in 2020; thus far in 2021 (through September 21) there have already been 37 recorded incidents.

Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns said, "the total number of people fleeing law enforcement so far this year throughout our county is up 106% over 2020, and we are only in the middle of September. These reckless acts put not only officers and deputies in danger of great bodily harm or death, but also pose significant risks to the general public. We need the help of local communities in advocating for sentences that reflect the seriousness of this crime and the threat to the public's safety."

Police say the threat to suspects and law enforcement as well as to the citizens of local communities is substantial. In addition to the two people injured from the crash Monday evening, there have been multiple other instances in recent months in the area where officers, suspects, and/or passengers have sustained injuries and have even been killed, or innocent bystanders and law enforcement agencies have endured considerable losses due to property damage as a result of reckless fleeing incidents.

➢In March of this year, suspects on motorcycles fled a traffic stop and one motorcycle almost struck an Effingham City squad car while attempting to flee at an excessively high rate of speed. Suspects have been charged in this case.

➢ In April of this year, a suspect who was wanted on an outstanding warrant fled in a stolen vehicle; the suspect purposefully rammed an Effingham County squad car, an occupied Effingham City squad car, a parked vehicle, and nearly struck two other occupied squad cars. The suspect has been charged in multiple cases of fleeing and eluding.

➢ In May of this year, a suspect who was wanted on an outstanding warrant fled and almost hit three Deputies while spinning out in gravel. He then proceeded to strike an Effingham County squad car while trying to escape. A suspect was later arrested on multiple charges stemming from this incident.

➢ In May of this year, a suspect fled Officers and caused two separate accidents with private citizens, drove on a sidewalk then into the yard of a local business, and almost hit a pedestrian in a wheelchair before purposefully striking an Effingham City squad car. The driver was taken into custody a short time later.

➢ In June of this year, a vehicle fled a traffic stop from Illinois State Police District 12; the Trooper sustained injuries when he was dragged by the suspect vehicle. The suspect and two passengers were eventually taken into custody after fleeing at high speeds through two separate counties.

➢ In August of this year, suspects on an all-terrain vehicle fled at high speeds from Officers on Effingham streets and through residential yards. At least one person has been charged in connection with this case.

➢ In the surrounding area, a reckless driver in Mattoon was killed on September 19, 2021 after fleeing Law Enforcement who were attempting to stop the vehicle two different times. The vehicle eventually crashed into several other vehicles and the driver was pronounced deceased at the hospital; four other individuals were transported to local hospitals from injuries sustained during the crash. 

Effingham City Police Chief Jason McFarland is highly concerned by the rise in the number of these cases, saying, “Law Enforcement Agencies in Effingham County are working closely with the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office to prosecute - to the fullest extent of the law - each person who makes the decision to flee or attempt to elude Peace Officers. These individuals put themselves and others at great risk through their negligent, reckless behavior, and the Courts have to hold these individuals accountable for their actions. The threat which this on-going problem presents to the general public is not trivial; there is a need for these criminal suspects to face legal consequences.”

Both Sheriff Kuhns and Chief McFarland urge the public to report any unsafe or erratic driving to Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 217-342-2101 or Effingham City Police at 217-347-0774. According to Chief McFarland, “Law Enforcement Agencies are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community and strive to provide professional public safety services in partnership with our communities.”