All night pursuit results in arrest of Decatur man, large cache of drugs recovered

A 37-year-old Decatur man is in custody following a car chase and foot pursuit that lasted into Friday morning. The suspect has been identified as 37 year old Philip Joshu of Decatur, IL. 

On Thursday night at approximately 8:45 p.m. Benton officers were requested for assistance by the West Frankfort Police Department who was pursuing a fleeing driver northbound on route 37. 

The West Frankfort Officer relayed that the driver was armed with a handgun.  Upon entering Benton, the suspect turned westbound on Hudelson Street.  The driver then left the roadway west of the intersection of Hudelson and DuQuoin Street, coming to a rest on the railroad tracks.  The driver fled on foot in to the woods near the Benton Park.  Officers from West Frankfort, West City, Franklin County Sheriffs Office, Illinois State Police, Christopher and Benton responded, conducting searches and investigating leads throughout the night. 

This morning at approximately 7:45 a.m. an off duty officer from the West City Police Department spotted the suspect near Greenwood Street on the south east side of town.  Our schools were requested to go on lock down as a precaution.  Officers from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, West City and Benton ultimately located the suspect, capturing him near the 1000 block of South Mcleansboro Street. 

During the arrest, a handbag was recovered containing ammunition and a significant amount of narcotics.  Approximately two pounds of suspected methamphetamine, commonly known as’ ice’, a half pound of marijuana, 30 grams of mushrooms, and suspected LSD was seized.  The methamphetamine has an approximate street value of $80,000.00.     

At approximately 8:15 a.m. an Ameren employee reported finding a handgun just off Route 37 south of Benton.  This was a .45 caliber pistol later determined to be stolen out of Christian County, IL.

Joshu is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail on an arrest warrant out of Macon County for a weapons offense. The investigation continues and further charges are pending at this time. The suspect is presumed innocent of all charges against him.