On Sunday, February 5th, 2023 at approximately 4:00pm a Sheriff’s Deputy responded to rural Oquawka for trespassing complaint. While investigating the complaint the suspect left the area. The Deputy later spotted the suspect in another yard and the suspect took off running on foot. The Deputy began a foot pursuit and the suspect fled into a neighboring garage. When the Deputy attempted to arrest the suspect he began resisting. Emergency backup was called and the suspect was eventually subdued. The suspect was transport to the Henderson County Jail where he also resisted Deputies. One Deputy did receive minor injuries to his hands.
Sheriff Matthew Link releases that Douglas L. Hutchings (age 53) of Oquawka was arrested for Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer (Class 4 Felony), Disorderly Conduct (Class B Misdemeanor), Attempt to Disarm a Peace Officer (Class 2 Felony), and Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer (Class 1 Felony). Hutchings bond was set at $25,000 by a judge.
Henderson County was assisted by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
Hutchings is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
***Courtesy of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department***
