Trial postponed for suspect in police chase, jail assault

A Machesney Park man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase – and then wielding a shank inside La Salle County Jail – will undergo a mental health evaluation before standing trial.

Brad M. Johnson, 39, was scheduled for trial Sept. 13 on multiple felony counts stemming from an April 9 high-speed chase from La Salle to rural Ottawa, compounded when he allegedly hurt two jail guards with a shank. He could face a total of 18 years.

Friday, however, Johnson’s lawyer requested a “look-see” mental health evaluation, which immediately suspends Johnson’s right to a speedy trial. The mid-September trial is off and Johnson will return Oct. 22 for a status hearing.