Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- At approximately 11:20 A.M. today, May 12, 2021, Effingham Police telecommunicators began receiving complaints regarding a reckless driver sticking his head out of the window and driving across three lanes of traffic in the area of Keller Drive and Evergreen Avenue around 10:48 A.M. Officers in the area observed the arrestee driving erratically and attempted to perform a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle; however, the vehicle refused to stop, and subsequently caused an accident with a vehicle driven by Brandy C. Brummett, 41, Effingham, at the intersection of Jefferson and Henrietta. The vehicle then fled the scene and ran off the roadway in the 600th block of Fayette, causing damage to a yard at Lupita’s Mexican Store, before re-entering the roadway and shortly thereafter colliding with another vehicle driven by Mark A. Volk, 60, Teutopolis, at the intersection of Maple and Fayette. The vehicle left the site of the second accident at a high rate of speed and Officers discontinued efforts to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle was re-located by Officers a short time later in a parking lot where Officers attempted to make contact with the driver; however, the vehicle immediately exited the parking lot. Before exiting, the vehicle struck a squad car driven by Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland and fled the scene.
The arrestee, Tomas Santos Canfield, 29, Effingham, was located and taken into custody a short time later by Illinois State Police. During the arrest, Canfield damaged another Effingham Police squad car and spat into an Officer’s face from close proximity. Canfield was subsequently subdued and transported to Effingham County Jail where he was remanded into their custody.
Canfield was issued citations for the following offenses:
- 4 Counts – Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer
- 3 Counts – Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving Property Damage • Aggravated Fleeing/Eluding a Peace Officer
- Distracted Driving – Illegal Use of Cellular Device While Driving
- 2 Counts – Criminal Damage to State Supported Vehicles
- Disorderly Conduct – Misuse of 9-1-1 (5 times)
- Improper Lane Usage
- Unnecessary Use Horn
A hearing was conducted at 2:00 P.M., where bond was set at $250,000, with 10% to apply for bail. The investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges are pending. No injuries were reported from any of the motor vehicle accidents.
Effingham City Police were assisted by Illinois State Police during this incident.
Chief McFarland praised the ability of Officers and Troopers to mitigate this incident with no injuries to the public, stating, “Having citizens call in at the first sign of erratic driving allowed a quick response from Officers, which greatly helped to minimize any further tragedy which could have occurred had this individual not been apprehended in a timely fashion.
These types of incidents unfold quickly and unpredictably, and the focus of Effingham Police is to keep the public safe from harm. Many thanks to everyone who called 911 to report the unsafe driving, and to the Officers and Troopers who brought a swift, secure resolution to this incident.”
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.
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