Man faces multiple charges after being shot by East St. Louis police officer
A Shiloh man was charged from his hospital bed with several crimes related to a high-speed chase that ended with him being shot by an East St. Louis officer, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office released Thursday.
Phillip T. Smith was charged with felon in possession/use of a firearm, two counts of aggravated fleeing police and driving on a suspended license.
Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Elbert Jennings said police attempted to stop Smith on a traffic violation, but were instead led on a chase Saturday shortly after 11 a.m. The chased ended when he crashed into a railroad crossing gate at 15th and Baker in East St. Louis. Smith got out of his disabled car and ran, Jennings said.
While on the run, Smith dropped a gun and stopped to pick it up. East St. Louis police issued commands for him to put down his weapon, which officers say he ignored, Jennings said. Feeling threatened, officers shot Smith, who was transported to an area hospital.
The Illinois State Police investigated the shooting since it involved a local police agency.
