Witness Tells Police Victim Ran Before Being Shot

Last updated on Thursday, March 27, 2014

(PEKIN) - According to a witness of a shooting in Pekin, Norman Knight shot John Dukes as he attempted to run from him.

The shooting happened last Friday.

According to Michael Roach, he and Knight had been drinking beer when Dukes arrived to pick up his 10-year-old daughter. Knight is dating the girl's mother.

The exchange went smoothly, but after they left, Knight insisted that Roach get into his car and follow Dukes.

Dukes had pulled off the road and Knight began yelling at him for "urinating on his brother's property."

Roach told police that Knight wanted Dukes to come over so he could "bust his head."

As Duke approached the vehicle, Knight pulled out a handgun. Dukes then turned to flee and that is when Roach says Knight shot Dukes and then drove from the scene.

Deputies later found Knight pulling into a driveway on East Walker Road.

Deputies ordered Knight to show his hands and exit the vehicle he refused and sped up the driveway. Officers followed and found Knight exiting the vehicle. They ordered Knight to the ground, but instead he yelled for the officer to shoot him and began walking toward the officer, who then tased him.

During a police interview, Knight claims Dukes threatened him at the pulloff and that he "popped" Dukes. He told police he shot Dukes with a .22-caliber pistol while Dukes' daughter was in the truck.

Dukes' daughter called 911 and Dukes was flown by helicopter to the University of Louisville Hospital.

Knight is facing felony charges of attempted murder, criminal recklessness and resisting law enforcement. He is being held on a $200,000 cash only bond.

The Leader-Democrat reports, Knight has a lengthy list of prior arrest, dating to 1992 when he was arrested for invasion of privacy. Other arrests include: 1996: battery on an officer, resisting arrest; 1997: operating a vehicle while intoxicated; 2003: battery, residential entry; 2012: OWI controlled substance, no handgun license and this past January: OWI controlled substance, OWI prior.

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