PEORIA, Ill. — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of one of their deputies, hit and killed by a runaway alleged criminal Friday morning, as Nicholas D. Weist.
Authorities have also identified the man they believe to be responsible for the collision that killed the 34-year-old deputy.
Illinois State Police say it started with a 9-1-1 call about an armed suspect at a Circle K gas station on Main Street in Galesburg.
That was around 8 a.m. Friday.
ISP identifies the suspect as 22-year-old Daylon K. Richardson of Granite City, Illinois.
(Illinois State Police)
Authorities say two Galesburg police officers later tried to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Richardson was driving, but say he sped off in that moment.
State Police say Knox County Deputy Weist was laying out spike strips along U.S. 150 out north of Galesburg when the suspect vehicle struck and killed him.
The suspect vehicle then crashed off the side of the roadway.
Officers say they apprehended Richardson following a brief foot chase.
During a news conference later Friday, Henry County State’s Attorney Catherine Runty announced Richardson would be charged with two counts of Murder, one count of Felon in Possession of a Weapon and one count of Fleeing and Eluding.
She said, “as more information becomes available from the investigation, additional charges will be considered.”
Runty said Richardson is currently being held in the Henry County jail without bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 9, 2022.
In a statement sent to media outlets across the region, ISP said officers involved in the follow up investigation include those from the Galesburg Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, McDonough County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Geneseo Police Department.
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