Spaulding manhunt suspect arraigned in court

SPAULDING, Ill. (WAND)-A man involved in Spauling manhunt was arraigned in court on Friday.

William L. Cooper,44, was charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer, and one count of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle.

His bond is set at $1 million.

Cooper was arrested on Friday, Aug. 20, after police conducted a manhunt in search for him.

Police say they initially responded to a call regarding a male in distress at 43 Devine Dr. just before 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug 19. The caller indicated Cooper had possibly overdosed.

Riverton PD and Spaulding PD responded to the call. Upon arrival they found no one at the residence but reported shots being fired.

According to officials no one was struck in gunfire, but it is unknown as to where the suspected rounds went.

Cooper was said to have fled the scene in a vehicle that police then pursued. Authorities said he drove at officers when he fled the scene.

Deputies later located the vehicle abandoned at Mary Lane and Francis Dr.

Police began to search for Cooper as he was believed to had taken off on foot and into a nearby wooded area.

Deputies also attempted to make contact with Cooper by phone, but were hung up on. At some point, police say, Cooper posted to social media.

Cooper was eventually found and taken into custody at 12:57 a.m. at a residence at 5400 Block of River View Rd, Spaulding.

Should Cooper post bail, he will be required to GPS electronic monitoring, home confinement, psychiatric evaluation, compliance with all recommended treatment, and must surrender all forearms and FOID Concealed Carry License.