The following incidents were obtained from Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis. Note that arrests, charges and citations are allegations only.
Oct. 26
• Deputies responded at 12:18 p.m. to a traffic crash at Sassafras and Pecan roads. The investigation revealed that a 2013 Kia Optima driven by Mary L. Gant of Du Quoin was traveling southeast on Sassafras Road. When Gant attempted to make a left turn onto Pecan Road, she struck a stopped Perry County Head Start bus driven by Janet E. Lively of Du Quoin. The bus was carrying 13 students and one monitor. No one was injured in the accident. Gant was cited for improper lane usage and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
Oct. 30
• Deputies arrested Mutaz L. Shaker, 24, of St. Louis on charges of speeding, operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while license suspended following a traffic stop at 5:17 a.m. on Rt. 13/127 at Cottontail Road. Shaker posted $1,500 bond.
• Deputies responded at 10:38 p.m. to a traffic crash on Bethel Church Road about 200 feet southeast of Canna Road. The investigation revealed that a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Jesse D. Strait, 20, of Pinckneyville was negotiating a curve on Bethel Church Road when Strait lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, overcorrected, left the roadway again and overturned. Strait was uninjured. Two juveniles also were in the vehicle, with one sustaining only minor injuries. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Strait was cited for negligent driving.
