A Franklin County Sheriff’s officer deployed a taser to subdue a man in Rantoul Friday night, October 18th. The deputy responded to an address in Rantoul to investigate a misdemeanor theft. As the deputy contacted one of the individuals identified in the thief, a male refused to properly identify himself and walked away. The deputy told him to stop and grabbed his arm. The man resisted and both ended up on the ground. The suspect wrapped his arm around the deputy’s neck and the deputy deployed his tased to prevent serious injury, and was able to take the man into custody. That man, identified as 51-year-old Ricky Roberts, of Rantoul, was arrested for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.
The deputy sustained minor injuries not requiring treatment. Franklin County EMS and Cutler Fire responded to the scene to evaluate Roberts, who was transported to AdventHealth Ottawa for further tests. Also arrested was 53-year-old Sherry Massengale for interference with law enforcement for her involvement in the disturbance. Charges of misdemeanor theft and other charges involving both suspects will be forwarded to the Franklin County Attorney’s Office for review
The Sheriff’s office thanks the Wellsville Police Department for their response and the Franklin County Emergency Communications Center for their steadfast professionalism during a stressful situation.
