Zion man shot by cops during chase pleads not guilty to drug charges
A 25-year-old Zion man who was shot by police after, authorities say, he started a chase while intoxicated pleaded not guilty to drug charges and other allegations Wednesday in Lake County court.
Devon Davidson, of the 2600 block of Hermon Avenue, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of cannabis, aggravated driving under the influence and aggravated fleeing and eluding police.
If found guilty of the most serious charge, Davidson could be sentenced up to five years in prison, Lake County Judge Patricia Fix said. The charges are also punishable by probation.
"I want to see the forensic evidence and ballistic reports before making any determination on the defense of this case," defense attorney James Schwarzbach said.
Davidson was speeding and driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI when officers saw his vehicle and determined the temporary license plate was unreadable at 11:07 p.m. July 26, authorities said.
Officers tried to stop Davidson at 29th Street and Galilee Avenue, but he drove away when an officer approached the car, authorities said.
The chase continued for several minutes but appeared to end when officers blocked Davidson's car in the driveway of his mother's house on the 2700 block of 27th Street, authorities said. But when an officer approached his vehicle, authorities said, Davidson put the car in reverse and hit a squad car in an attempt to escape.
The officer shot Davidson in the chest. Davidson drove away after being shot and returned to his mother's house, where he was arrested, authorities said.
He was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was treated for the superficial gunshot wound and released into police custody.
Davidson previously admitted to being intoxicated when he ran from police, authorities said. Police said he had a .20 blood alcohol content, more than twice the legal threshold.
Fix ordered Davidson remain held in Lake County jail on $750,000 bail. He is due back in court Sept. 9 for a case management conference. His trial is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 28.