Odin’s man faces eight criminal charges following a lengthy police manhunt

A 41-year-old Odin man faces eight felony charges following a lengthy high-speed chase from Centralia to Odin last Thursday night.

James Williams of Pine Avenue was held without bail when he made his first appearance Monday in Marion County Court.

Williams faces two Class X counts of armed violence. He is accused in both counts of having a weapon in his possession while attempting to flee or elude police at a speed of more than 21 miles over the speed limit. The charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.

Williams is also charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude police. He also faces one count each of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm for carrying two weapons without the required FOID card. Williams faces misdemeanor counts of unlawful use of a weapon and possession of firearm ammunition without a firearm owner’s identification card.

Judge Joshua Morrison ordered Williams held without bail after Monday’s hearing. The judge found he was in possession of weapons, drugs and body armor after a high-speed chase, acknowledging possession of the items found in the car and the danger to the public should the incident reoccur as reasons to keep Williams out.

The public defender was appointed to represent Williams, who is due back in court Jan. 14 for a preliminary hearing.