ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Illinois State Police investigators have arrested a Kansas man accused of firing at multiple vehicles during a pursuit in St. Clair County, authorities said.

Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 special agents arrested 33-year-old Drew D. Smading of Wichita, Kansas, after Marissa Police pursued a Volkswagen SUV on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, following a 9-1-1 call reporting that a suspect had fired at another vehicle on Illinois 13 near Lenzburg, police said.

Police said the pursuit ended after the suspect crashed near Sparta, and no victims were injured by gunfire, according to police.

On Feb. 7, 2026, the case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Smading was charged with armed violence, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated fleeing police, police said. Additional charges may be filed pending further investigation, authorities said.

Smading is being held at the St. Clair County Jail pending his first court appearance, police said.

At about 3:50 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2026, Marissa Police Department officers located a vehicle matching the suspect’s description traveling on Illinois 13 in Marissa and attempted a traffic stop, police said. The suspect refused to pull over and “continued to fire a weapon at an additional four vehicles,” police said. During the pursuit, Smading “reportedly fired at a sixth victim’s vehicle,” police said.

Marissa Police took Smading into custody, and Illinois State Police special agents responded to lead the investigation, police said. Two weapons were recovered, according to police.

The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

More like this:

Madison County Pursuit Leads To Arrest At Hamel Truck Stop

May 20, 2026

Illinois State Police Arrest Swansea Woman In East St. Louis Killing

Jun 5, 2026

Belleville Man Charged After Caseyville Police Chase

Jun 15, 2026

Caseyville Police End High-Speed Chase Near Chain Of Rocks Bridge

May 11, 2026

Man Taken Into Custody On Murder Charge At Lambert International Airport in St. Louis

Jun 3, 2026