JEFFERSON/MARION COUNTIES — A 25-year-old Louisiana man was arrested Friday night by Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies after an alleged armed robbery in Dix and a pursuit through multiple counties.
Illinois State Police received a call around 7 p.m. regarding a thin, black male driving a white, Dart Advantage semi-truck with trailer who allegedly threatened another truck driver and an employee at a truck stop in Effingham.
The same subject then allegedly held up the gas station in Dix at gunpoint and returned to I-57.
Spike strips were deployed as the truck was exiting onto Route 161. He then returned to the interstate heading south, where a second set of spike strips were deployed at the 108.
Despite having been hit by two sets of spike strips, the subject continued south for approximately one more mile.
Rickey D. Growe was ultimately stopped around 9:30 p.m. by both Marion and Jefferson county deputies on southbound Interstate 57 at the 107 milemarker.
Reports indicate a 40 caliber firearm was recovered from the semi that was towed from the scene by Rend Lake Towing. Marion County Animal Control was called to pick up a dog that was in Growers truck.