WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. – The mayor a village in Southern Illinois was attacked earlier this week while assessing damage from the recent winter storm.
According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the attack happened just before 12:50 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6.
Deputies learned Energy Mayor Bengi McGee, 74, had been battered by a passing motorist. McGee was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for lacerations to his face and head, among other injuries.
The sheriff’s office said deputies attempted to interview the suspected attacker, John W. Alexander, but he refused to speak with them. Alexander was taken into custody.
The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Alexander, 44, with two counts of aggravated battery. He’s due in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 26.