Man throws gun from car while driving recklessly through Madison County, police say
An Arkansas man faces six felony charges in Madison County after police say he drove recklessly through multiple cities, throwing items from his car including a gun.
Christopher W. Hamby, 30, of Jessieville, was charged Thursday on multiple counts including, armed violence, unlawful possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, two counts of criminal damage to property over $500, and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
According to Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells, Hamby drove recklessly through Bethalto and Alton before driving into Wood River, where a police officer spotted him and tried to make him stop.
Hamby ignored the police officer, drove his vehicle into a school zone and began throwing items through the window, Wells said in a news release. During the pursuit, Hamby crashed into a car at Illinois 111 and Acton Avenue before driving south into South Roxana.
In South Roxana, Hamby allegedly crashed into another car at Illinois 111 and Broadway Avenue. According to Wells, he was taken into custody by officers from the South Roxana, Roxana and Wood River police departments.
Police searched Hamby’s vehicle and found methamphetamine and ammunition, Wells said. After retracing the route on which Hamby led police, officers found a .40 caliber firearm that matched the ammunition he had in his possession.
Hamby’s bail was set at $150,000.
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