A Chicago man accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend more than two years ago was arrested early Monday after a traffic stop in Clayton County. And he’s now facing additional charges for allegedly punching a Forest Park police sergeant several times.
Isiah L. Barker was a passenger in a vehicle stopped on Forest Parkway near Lake Drive for allegedly driving with high beams on, according to Major Chris A. Matson with Forest Park police. Barker appeared nervous, and when officers asked for his identification, he tried to run, Matson said.
When a police sergeant grabbed Barker by the arm, Barker allegedly struck the sergeant repeatedly with his fist, Matson said. As authorities called for additional officers, Barker ran again, allegedly leading police on a wild chase before he was finally captured.
“Hand-to-hand techniques, Tasers, pepper spray, and (baton) had little to no effect, as officers described him to have unbelievable strength and endurance,” Matson said in an emailed statement.
Barker allegedly tried to steal a patrol car before he was arrested, according to police. He was taken to Southern Regional Medical Center for treatment due to being under the influence of an unknown substance, Matson said.
Following Barker’s arrest, investigators were able to determine his identity as one of Chicago’s most wanted suspects. Barker faces homicide and feticide charges in the June 2011 death of Cynthia Funches, who was beaten to death and placed in a large blue plastic storage bin left in an empty garage, according to various Chicago media reports.
Barker was charged last year with the deaths of the woman and her unborn child, but had eluded capture. He also is facing federal charges for allegedly fleeing Illinois to avoid arrest, records show.
Forest Park police will charge Barker with obstruction of a police officer, assault on a police officer and attempted motor vehicle theft, Matson said.
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