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Alleged carjacker held on $500,000 bond

Posted December 19, 2007 10:00 pm

Andy Kravetz

Even though he's facing up to 15 years in prison for carjacking a woman at Northwoods Mall on Monday night, it's possible to say William Ransom's a lucky man.

As the 52-year-old "career criminal" drove out of the mall's parking lot in a stolen SUV, an off-duty Creve Coeur auxiliary police officer fired shots at him. One of those bullets was found in Ransom's jacket pocket, said Assistant State's Attorney Steve Pattelli during a court hearing in Peoria County Circuit Court on Wednesday in which Ransom was charged.

Ransom, who also goes by the name William Ranson, faces counts of vehicular hijacking, aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle and robbery. He isn't eligible for probation because of his criminal history, which includes multiple felony convictions dating back to 1991.

The possession of a stolen vehicle is aggravated because of the cost of the SUV, which was more than $25,000. It's possible more charges could follow.

It appeared Ransom had more convictions but Circuit Judge James Shadid stopped Pattelli, saying he heard enough. Bond was set at $500,000, meaning Ransom, who is on parole for a forgery conviction out of Tazewell County, must post $50,000 to get out of jail.

A Jan. 17 preliminary hearing was set though it is likely a grand jury will hear the case before then.

Pattelli told the judge the police officer identified Ransom after his arrest at the Downtown bus transfer center. Later, the victim's wallet with her ID and credit cards was found in the squad car where Ransom had been held.

The prosecutor said the spent bullet was found in the pocket of one of Ransom's coats along with a bullet hole.

Andy Kravetz can be reached at (309) 686-3283 or akravetz@pjstar.com.

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