A 29-year-old Mount Vernon man is facing a stack of felony charges, including armed violence, after police say he flattened tires on ten police vehicles, bit an officer, and had to be tased before he could be taken into custody. Daniel Artis was arrested on Tuesday following a confrontation that Mount Vernon's police chief says could have turned deadly.
According to the Morning Sentinel, the incident began Tuesday at 1:46 p.m. in the parking lot of the Rolland Lewis Community Building at Veterans Park, where police vehicles had been parked for overflow parking during a class held at the nearby police station. The Mount Vernon Police Department received a report that someone was flattening the tires of the parked police vehicles.
Officer Confronted With a Knife
When an officer responded and exited his vehicle, Artis allegedly flattened two of its tires right in front of him, Police Chief Robert Brands said. Artis then allegedly fled on foot while carrying a knife, with the officer pursuing him. Brands said the officer ultimately used a taser to subdue him before taking him into custody.
Brands said the incident could have been much worse if Artis had continued approaching the officer while holding a knife. Brands said the officer sustained a minor injury after Artis allegedly bit him during the struggle. Brands added that alcohol and mental health issues possibly played a role in Artis’s motives.
Hospital Stop Before Jail Booking
Brands said Artis was taken to a local hospital to be cleared for incarceration at the Jefferson County Jail. Local court records also indicate Artis allegedly spat on a nurse during the ordeal. In total, police say he damaged ten police vehicles.
Felony Counts Include Armed Violence
Artis was charged with ten Class 4 felony counts of criminal damage to government-supported property, one Class 2 felony count of aggravated battery to a peace officer, one Class X felony count of armed violence, and two Class 3 felony counts of aggravated battery to a nurse. Illinois statutes governing aggravated battery offenses are maintained on the Illinois General Assembly’s official website.
First Court Appearance, Detention Hearing Ahead
Artis had his first appearance in local court on Wednesday, where he was advised of his charges, the possible penalties he faces, and his rights. The public defender’s office was appointed to represent him. Prosecutors have filed a petition to deny Artis pre-trial release ahead of pretrial detention proceedings, which are governed in part by statute on the Illinois Compiled Statutes database, though that database notes recent legal updates may not yet be reflected in its records.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in local court. The Sentinel says it will continue following the case as more information becomes available.
