Belleville man charged after alleged attack on sheriff’s deputies during DCFS visit
A 28-year-old Belleville man faces six felony charges, including attempted murder, after a confrontation with St. Clair County Sheriff’s deputies who were assisting in a DCFS wellness check of a child.
The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office late Friday charged Chase A. Powers with attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery with great bodily harm of a police officer, disarming a police officer, felon in possession of a weapon, and aggravated battery of a police officer.
Two deputies were injured during the incident, but both have been treated and released from an area hospital.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the deputies were dispatched to the house in the 700 block of South 15th Street with an investigator from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at about 4:08 p.m. Thursday.
“We were requested to assist an investigator from DCFS to check on the well-being of a child living at the residence,” St. Clair County Sheriff’s Lt. James Hendricks said.
Powers attacked the investigators, according to the charges.
“The suspect attempted to disarm one of the officers during the attack, and the other officer’s firearm was discharged without injuring anyone,” said Hendricks.
While police were struggling with the suspect, Hendricks said they were able to get additional police assistance on scene, who helped take Powers into custody.
St. Clair County Sheriff Rick Watson asked that Illinois State Police to investigate the incident, which is protocol anytime an officer’s weapon is discharged.
The suspect is currently being held at the St.Clair County Jail pending pre-trial detention hearing.
The child, who was the subject of the DCFS well-being check, is fine and currently with relatives, Hendricks said.
Because of the age of the child, police can not discuss the nature of the wellness check.
This story was originally published February 21, 2025 at 5:52 PM.
