Suspect Tased By Officer During Foot Pursuit Was Armed With Handgun

A Steelville man fleeing on foot from police was tased twice by an officer during a foot pursuit and struggle in which he is alleged to have been attempting to access a small caliber handgun in his waistband Wednesday, September 27 at 1:55 p.m.

According to Sullivan Police, officers conducted a traffic stop near Highway D and Division Street on a vehicle possibly reported stolen in a nearby community.

The traffic stop began routine but quickly changed as a passenger in the vehicle bolted out of the back of the car and began to flee officers.

A Sullivan officer attempted to stop the suspect and commanded him to stop; however, the suspect continued to flee and was tased by the officer. A struggle ensued on the ground away from the initial stop.

As the officer attempted to subdue the suspect and as the suspect continued to try and reach in his waistband, the officer tased the suspect a second time, finally subduing him.

The suspect, identified as Matthew P. Chandler, 40, Steelville, was arrested on seven outside warrants with charges expected to be issued for resisting arrest by fleeing, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a weapon, unlawful use of a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Read more in the Oct. 4 issue of the Independent News.