Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz is extending praise to law enforcement officers involved in the arrest of an attempted murder suspect in Champaign County.

36-year-old Jason Sanders was stopped by troopers and Champaign County sheriff deputies after he fled Gilman having shot another man at a truck stop.

Sanders is now charged with attempted murder and weapons violations. He’s jailed in Watseka.

State Police Director Leo Schmitz said ‘’These brave officers put their lives on the line. They knew the man had a gun and they knew he had already shot someone.

These police officers did what officers across the country do every day. They ran toward the situation, putting themselves in danger to protect innocent citizens.’’

Director Schmitz referenced the arrest of Sanders of Wesst Memphis, Arkansas. Sanders had been in an altercation on the parking lot of a truck stop in Gilman where another trucker was shot. Police say Sanders fled the scene in a semi-truck which was stopped after it was spotted traveling along Interstate 57 in Champaign County.

‘’Their professionalism and dedication to protecting others ensured this incident ended quickly and without anyone else getting hurt,’’ added the Illinois State Police Director.

Sanders is now charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.

The shooting victim was treated for two gunshot wounds. He was in stable condition at a Carle Hospital in Urbana.

94.1 WGFA