Williamson County, IL – A man was arrested Monday night following an attempted vehicle break-in that led to a felony stop in Herrin, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around 9:52 p.m. on October 20 to Illinois Route 13 near Crab Orchard Road after reports of a damaged vehicle. Authorities said the vehicle’s driver had experienced mechanical trouble and left it parked on the roadside when another vehicle pulled up behind it.
According to deputies, witnesses reported seeing a male standing near the disabled vehicle. When questioned, the man allegedly claimed he was “checking to see if everyone was ok.” Shortly afterward, the owner of the disabled vehicle discovered the front passenger window had been broken, leading the victim to believe the suspect was interrupted during an attempted break-in.
At 10:57 p.m., deputies located a suspect vehicle in Herrin and conducted a traffic stop near the 400 block of South 20th Street. The male driver, identified as Justin A. Phipps, allegedly fled into a nearby residence but was apprehended without incident.
A search of the vehicle reportedly yielded a grey tire iron matching damage marks found on the victim’s car window. Phipps, known to law enforcement, was cited for Criminal Damage to Property (Class 4 Felony), Possession of Burglary Tools (Class 4 Felony), and Resisting a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor).
Phipps was transported to the Williamson County Jail. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541 or submit an anonymous tip through the Williamson County Sheriff’s App.
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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