AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC BATTERY ARREST AFTER MULTI-COUNTY PURSUIT

PITTSFIELD -- A Pleasant Hill man is facing multiple felony charges following a rolling domestic disturbance that began in Calhoun County, Illinois and ended with his arrest in Pike County, Illinois.

According to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began at approximately 11:13 p.m. on April 4 when West Central 911 Dispatch received a report of a domestic disturbance in progress involving a moving vehicle on Pump Station Road in northwest Calhoun County.

Dispatchers immediately coordinated with multiple agencies, including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police, in an effort to locate the vehicle as it continued moving through the region.

Authorities say the vehicle was ultimately located in Pleasant Hill, Pike County, Illinois, where a Pike County deputy took the male suspect into custody without incident. Officers from the Illinois State Police and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation and apprehension.

Following the investigation, 45-year-old Justine L. Burse of Pleasant Hill was arrested and charged with aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation, aggravated domestic battery, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Burse was transported to the Pike County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office credited West Central 911 Dispatch for their coordination efforts during the incident and also thanked assisting agencies for their role in bringing the situation to a safe resolution.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and charges may be amended as the case proceeds.