Mount Vernon, IL – A 46-year-old Missouri man was arrested Saturday afternoon after police say he allegedly attempted to hijack multiple vehicles and assaulted a Mount Vernon police officer during a chaotic incident at a local gas station.
According to the Mount Vernon Police Department, officers responded around 1:16 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, to the Mach 1 gas station at 1409 S. 42nd Street following reports of a man attempting to enter vehicles. Officers located Aaron Prikasky, 46, of St. Louis, who allegedly matched the suspect description.
Police say Prikasky allegedly attacked an officer after contact was made, then fled on foot. During the pursuit, the officer reportedly slipped on ice and injured his knee. Authorities say Prikasky then allegedly attempted to steal a locked, unoccupied vehicle before moving toward an unlocked semi-truck nearby.
According to police, the officer caught up with Prikasky as another officer arrived to assist. Prikasky allegedly continued to resist and fought with officers before being subdued following a Taser deployment. Both officers involved sustained minor injuries.
Investigators later learned that Prikasky had allegedly attempted to hijack an occupied vehicle at the gas pumps shortly before officers arrived. Police also stated he had previously broken down on the interstate and walked to the gas station prior to the incident.
Prikasky was taken into custody and booked at the Jefferson County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including Attempted Vehicular Hijacking, two counts of Attempted Vehicle Theft, two counts of Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer, and Criminal Damage to Property.
Prikasky is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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