Man Faces Attempted First-Degree Murder Charge

The incident began at about 8:43 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026, in the 1500 block of Chouteau Place Road, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responding to a call of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle met with witnesses and reviewed available surveillance video at the scene. The sheriff’s office said it became “quickly apparent” that the suspect had intentionally hit the pedestrian.

The victim appeared to have suffered significant injuries to his lower extremities, authorities said. He was taken to an area hospital, where it was later determined he had a broken leg. He remained hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigators said the suspect left the scene but was identified.

While deputies were continuing their investigation, the suspect returned to the area in a different vehicle, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies attempted to stop that vehicle, but the suspect did not cooperate and a pursuit followed.

The pursuit ended after the suspect lost control of the vehicle and came to a stop, according to authorities. The original vehicle and the second vehicle were both located and towed from the scene.

Detectives continued investigating by gathering additional surveillance video, obtaining statements from more witnesses, and securing a warrant to have the suspect vehicle processed by the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit.

The facts of the case were presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The suspect, Tony S. Accardi, W/M, DOB: 10/17/61, was charged with:

Count 1: Attempted First Degree Murder (Class X Felony)

Count 2: Aggravated Battery (Class 2 Felony)

Count 3: Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony)

Count 4: Fleeing and Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor)

Accardi remains in custody at the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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