Knuth found guilty on 3 counts

[September 24, 2010]  Michael Knuth was found guilty Thursday of attempted first-degree murder of Stuart Erlenbush, a Class X felony; aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony, in an incident involving Megan Danielson; and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, a Class 2 felony.

"We are pleased with jury's verdict in this case," said Jonathan Wright, first assistant state's attorney. "We commend the Lincoln Police Department, the Logan County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois State Police for their work in this case.

"Former Lincoln police Chief Stuart Erlenbush, Lincoln police officer Michael Fruge and Lincoln police officer Robert Sherren displayed extraordinary courage as they handled a very dangerous scenario. In addition to law enforcement, John Newlun also showed great courage when he stopped his vehicle, allowing officers to apprehend Michael Knuth, despite the fact that such action put Mr. Newlun in harm's way."

[Text from file received from Michael D. McIntosh, Logan County state's attorney]