WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. – A southern Illinois man is accused of attempting to disarm a Williamson County deputy while resisting arrest on Tuesday.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Billy J. Williams allegedly made threatening comments to his neighbors and himself near his residence in the 1700 block of Fowler School Road around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday when police responded to the report for domestic battery.

Reportedly, Williams was seen slamming items and yelling, even threatening the life of his neighbor.

When the deputy arrived, Williams was seen riding a minibike. The deputy attempted to stop Williams, but he continued traveling toward his home.


New homes planned for long abandoned hazardous site in The Hill

Allegedly, as Williams ran toward his home, the deputy brought him to the ground in an attempt to handcuff him. Williams actively resisted arrest and threatened to kill the deputy.

During the struggle to handcuff Williams, allegedly he grabbed the deputy’s rifle, which was attached by a sling, and attempted to gain control of the weapon. In response, the deputy struck Williams in the head, and Williams let go of the firearm.

Another deputy arrived on scene, and Williams was placed in handcuffs. Police searched Williams and found 16 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition in his front right pocket.

Williams was brought to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries during the arrest and later taken in custody of the Williamson County jail.

Williams was cited for aggravated battery to a peace officer, attempt to disarm a peace officer, threatening a public official, resisting a peace officer, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and aggravated assault.

The Sheriff’s Office said Williams had previously engaged in a standoff with law enforcement in which he had deployed an explosive device and discharged multiple rounds from a firearm.