(SALEM, IL) — A 28-year-old Salem man was formally charged Thursday in Marion County Court with aggravated fleeing following a police chase Wednesday night that reportedly started with a domestic disturbance in Kinmundy. According to reports, Steven Schultz was arrested following a pursuit with Marion County Sheriff’s deputies who responded to a domestic disturbance call in Kinmundy and were told by a woman that Shultz had taken a pickup truck without permission. When a deputy spotted the truck on Charleston Road and attempted a stop, Schultz reportedly sped away and turned onto Bason Road, eventually continuing on to Route 37 to Tonti Road, then to Hoots Chapel Road and ultimately onto U.S. 50, with speeds reaching 80 miles per hour. As the pursuit continued into Odin, Schultz ultimately drove into a bean field, but the truck became airborne when Shultz attempted to cross a ditch between the field and Seven Hills Road. Shultz then attempted to flee the truck on foot, but after refusing deputies orders to stop was tasered. Continued resistance resulted in him being tasered a second time. He was charged Thursday with Class 4 felony aggravated fleeing, and was issued eight traffic citations. His bail was set at $15,000 and he’s next due in court November 1 for a first appearance with his court appointed attorney.
