Driver accused of driving recklessly in mult. counties back in custody after escaping holding facility

CENTRALIA, Ill. (Heartland News) – A man accused of driving recklessly through multiple southern Illinois counties this week was taken into custody on Saturday–after escaping from a holding facility.

The Centralia Police Department said on October 10, dispatch received multiple 911 calls about a reckless driver traveling southbound on U.S. 51 toward the city in a pick-up truck.

Officers initially checked the area, but could not locate the driver.

However, a short time later, the department received more calls about the driver, and officers were able to find the truck speeding, forcing other drivers off the road and driving recklessly through downtown Centralia.

According to the police department, officers learned this vehicle matched the description of one involved in a previous chase by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and another in Clinton County–all within one week.

The Centralia Police Dept. also had seven documented incidents involving complaints of reckless driving associated with this vehicle.

Officers continued their pursuit northbound on U.S. 51 through Central City and Sandoval. The chase ultimately ended when the driver pulled into a home in Patoka, where he was taken into custody.

The driver, identified as 45-year-old John W. Barlatier, was transported to the Centralia Police Dept.

Officers believed Barlatier was driving under the influence and conducted a field sobriety test. He was then transported to a local hospital for additional DUI-related testing.

After returning to the police department, Barlatier was secured in a holding cell. However, police said he was able to bend a portion of the upper holding cell structure and escape from the facility.

Multiple agencies were notified, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and Central City Police Department were called in to help with the Centralia Police Department with the search.

About three hours after his escape, the Centralia Police Department’s K-9 units, a Marion County Sheriff’s Department deputy, and some folks in the community were able to locate Barlatier.

He was taken back into custody and transported to the Marion County Jail.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Barlatier is facing multiple charges, including:

The Centralia Police Department said there will be an internal investigation regarding this incident, including the escape from the holding facility.