Man charged with murder in alleged vehicular assault on Illinois 111
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Times-Tribune staff
A man accused of intentionally striking a woman with his vehicle Tuesday on Illinois 111 near Bel Air Drive has been charged with murder, state’s attorneys announced Friday.
Richard D. Mayor
Richard D. Mayor, 60, of East St. Louis, faces two counts of first-degree murder, according to a news release from Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. He is accused of intentionally striking 46-year-old Lisa M. Dunnavant-Polach, also of East St. Louis, who died from injuries sustained in the incident.
Mayor is currently in the Madison County Jail on a $3 million bond. An initial court appearance was not listed in online court records as of Friday.
Dunnavant-Polach was getting into the cab of a tractor-trailer which had stopped on Illinois 111 to see if she needed assistance when she was struck by a white pickup driven by Mayor, according to the release. Mayor and Dunnavant-Polach had been in an on-off relationship and the assault was not a random act.
Dunnavant-Polach sustained serious injuries including near-amputation of one leg. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said first responders and good samaritans at the scene tried to save her prior to transport to a St. Louis hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries.
“Despite heroic efforts by emergency personnel and Good Samaritans, the victim succumbed to her injuries. Our prayers are with her family during this incredibly difficult time,” Haine said. “I commend those who gave aid and attempted to save the victim’s life, and I commend Pontoon Beach Police and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for the swift and thorough work that resulted in the charges against the defendant.”
Pontoon Beach Police quickly developed information about a suspect vehicle. The white pickup which had become disabled was soon located on Illinois 203 in Granite City and Mayor was taken into custody without further incident.
The case is still under investigation, according to the release. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pontoon Beach Police Department Detective Division at 618-931-5100.
