An Illinois man was caught by police after leading them on a dangerous chase, but he escaped from a holding cell by bending part of its structure, leading to a manhunt for the suspect.
The Centrailia Police Department said they arrested 45-year-old John Barlatier of Patoka on Oct. 10 after they received multiple calls about a reckless driver in a silver Ford F-150. Police say the truck was traveling south on U.S. Highway 51.
Police say they initially couldn’t locate the vehicle, but more calls came in and soon put them back on its trail. The truck was spotted speeding through downtown Centralia, forcing other drivers off the road.
CPD said the truck has a history with local law enforcement. The truck apparently matched descriptions of vehicles involved in previous pursuits in Marion and Clinton counties. The department documented seven separate incidents involving complaints of reckless driving associated with the truck.
Into Patoka
Officers pursued the truck north on Highway 51 through Central City and Sandoval. The chase ended when Barlatier pulled into a residence in Patoka, where officers took him into custody without further incident.
Police say they suspected Barlatier was driving under the influence after conducting field sobriety tests. He was then transported to a local hospital for additional DUI-related testing.
Afterward, Barlatier was brought back to the department and placed in a holding cell, according to police. This should’ve been the end, but Barlatier was not going out lightly.
Bending the Cell
According to police, Barlatier managed to bend part of the holding cell’s upper structure and escape from the facility. The department command staff was notified of his escape and requested help from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and Central City Police Department.
Centralia police deployed both of their K-9 units and initiated a track from the police department. They also shared information about the escape on social media, hoping members of the public could help locate Barlatier.
About three hours after his escape, Barlatier was found and taken back into custody. Police credited their K-9 teams, a Marion County sheriff’s deputy, and members of the public for helping bring the search to an end.
Multiple Charges Reported
Police say Barlatier was transported to the Marion County Jail in Salem after his recapture. An attempt to locate his booking information was unsuccessful.
However, Southern Illinois Now reported that Barlatier was being held on charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest, aggravated DUI, reckless driving, criminal damage to state-supported property, and felony escape.
His bond amount, booking time, and court date could not be independently confirmed.
The Centralia Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape, including how Barlatier managed to bend part of the holding cell structure and get out.
Barlatier is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.