Springfield, Illinois – Yesterday, January 17, 2020, around 7:35 p.m., Springfield Police responded to Renfro and Laurel for a report of a gray Audi that struck three unoccupied parked vehicles.
According to witnesses, the suspect, who has now been identified as Jason E. Templeton, age 45, was speeding in a gray Audi that crashed into the back of an unoccupied and parked white Ford F-150 truck. The impact of the crash caused the Ford F-150 truck to crash into two other unoccupied and parked vehicles. Jason then exited the gray Audi and dropped a beer can into the street. He then attempted to walk away from the crash by walking westbound towards 15th and Laurel, according to witnesses at the scene.
Witnesses at the scene were able to follow Jason while he was attempting to flee, and detained him. Jason, who was detained by witnesses, was then escorted back to the crash scene until police arrived.
In the vehicle was also a passenger. The passenger, who’s airbags were also deployed, was able to exit the gray Audi and waited at the scene until police arrived. Police arrived to the scene and immediately took the driver of the gray Audi into custody and called an ambulance to treat the passenger. The passenger’s injuries were described as non-life threatening. The passenger was taken to Memorial Medical Center to be treated.
According to records, Jason has been arrested three times, previous to yesterday’s crash, for driving under the influence. His first arrest for driving under the influence was on December 10, 2010 by the Sherman, Illinois Police Department. His D.U.I. charge in that case was immediately dismissed after his third court appearance.
Jason was then arrested on July 12, 2019 and then again on July 18, 2019 for driving under the influence. These two D.U.I cases are currently open and Jason is expected to appear in court on February 18, 2020 for another hearing.
At this time, after yesterday’s traffic accident, which injured his passenger, Jason is facing several charges in his fourth DUI arrest.
According to Sangamon County Jail Officials, Jason is facing pending criminal charges of Driving under the influence, Aggravated DUI, Revoked/Suspended Driver’s License, Unlawful possession of a vehicle and Motor vehicle theft of a vehicle over $10,000.
At this time, Jason is being held in the Sangamon County Jail with No Bond.