DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Police say a Decatur man was arrested on Monday after attempting to kill a woman with his vehicle.

Michael Gentry was arrested for attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to police, officers responded to a vacant lot in the 2000 block of E. William St. in reference to a 911 phone trace.

Upon arrival, officers located a woman with a large cut on her leg, and above her eye. She was taken to a hospital for major injuries and was later air-lifted to Springfield Memorial Hospital.

In a sworn statement, officers reported they talked with a witness at the scene who said, he heard the sound of a crash and then the woman screaming for help. The witness also stated they saw a vehicle circle around and crash into a fence, before turning back towards the woman and accelerating, hitting her and the vehicle she was standing next to. 

Witnesses told police the vehicle then accelerated towards themselves before striking a street sign and coming to a stop due to excessive damages.

A witness said they approached the wrecked vehicle and secured the driver, who was later identified as Michael Gentry. 

When police arrived they placed Gentry under arrest and in handcuffs.

While on the scene police said they could noticeably smell alcohol on Gentry's breath. Police noted that Gentry's wife was on the scene and informed them that he had consumed a bottle of tequila before the incident. 

Gentry was taken to the hospital. While there police said he made several statements that he had "hoped to hit" the woman.

A breath sample was taken at the hospital which showed Gentry BAC level was 0.235. 

Gentry was then transported to Macon County jail. Officers said while enroute Gentry stated if he had a gun, he would have shot her.

Gentry appeared in court on Tuesday, and was denied pre-trial release.

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