Sword-wielding Illinois man arrested for threatening people, damaging property

BENTON, Ill. – A rural Southern Illinois man was arrested Wednesday morning for wielding a sword in public, threatening to harm people, and damaging property.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Kyle Bacon, the sheriff’s office received a 911 call just after 4 a.m. about a man wandering Mulkeytown and striking property with a sword.

Deputies eventually located the suspect, identified as Kevin J. Fasig II, 29, just after 5:20 a.m., Bacon said. Fasig was armed with a three-foot-long double-edged sword.

Deputies instructed Fasig to drop the sword, but Fasig refused, stating, “I am not surrendering.”

A deputy used a stun-gun to subdue Fasig twice but to no avail. Pepper spray was deployed and Fasig was taken into custody, Bacon said.

Sheriff Bacon praised the Christopher Police Department, Sesser Police Department, Zeigler Police Department, Illinois State Police, Franklin County Emergency Management, and AMR Ambulance for their assistance in making the arrest.

The Franklin County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Fasig with two counts of aggravated assault and three counts of criminal damage to property. He remains in custody at Franklin County Jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.