Mt. Vernon, IL – A 23-year-old Indiana man was taken into custody Friday morning after allegedly firing shots at a vehicle while traveling on Interstate 57 in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a 911 call around 8:30 a.m. reporting that a subject in a maroon Toyota Sienna minivan allegedly shot at another vehicle near the 91-mile marker of I-57 northbound. The victim told authorities the suspect’s vehicle may have entered I-64 heading east at the southern split with I-57.
Law enforcement units from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Wayne County, and Illinois State Police responded to the area. Deputies later located a vehicle matching the description in Wayne County and initiated a felony stop along Illinois Highway 242 in Hamilton County. Three individuals inside the van were detained, and the driver, identified as Mason F. Prichard of Muncie, Indiana, was allegedly confirmed as the shooter.
Authorities said the three were transported to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Following the investigation, Prichard was arrested on suspicion of aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle. He was then transferred into Illinois State Police custody for further investigation.
The sheriff’s office stated Prichard is being held pending a pretrial detention hearing. Officials emphasized that he is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
No injuries were immediately reported, and state police are continuing the investigation. Motorists in the area experienced delays during the stop but traffic was later cleared.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
