A Springfield man was arrested after a short car pursuit over a stolen vehicle. 20-year-old Justin L.T. Pickrell of Springfield was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated reckless driving, and operating a vehicle with no valid driver's license. The incident started at 1:37 AM on Saturday morning. Nokomis Police notified Taylorville Police that one of their officers was in pursuit of a gray Chevrolet Impala. 

Taylorville Police found the vehicle and maintained visuals on it.  They also notified the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.  TPD discontinued its observation when it entered Springfield City Limits.  According to police, when officers turned around at Dirksen and South Grand, they noticed that the violator’s vehicle had struck a curb and damaged the car. A Springfield citizen notified police that a male had left the vehicle and fled toward JC Penny. Taylorville Officers located Pickrell and took him into custody.  

Police say the vehicle had endangered the public in at least three counties and it was identified as stolen out of Pana on June 3rd.  The Taylorville Police Department thanked the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Nokomis Police Department, and Hillsboro Police Department along with Christian County State’s Attorney Wes Poggenpohl.  Montgomery County also announced that they will be filing charges against Pickrell for the incident.  

Pickrell appeared in Christian County Court on Monday and bond was set at $50,000 with 10% to apply.  His next appearance is set for Tuesday.