Wednesday night, Trooper Michael was patrolling Interstate 74 near the 33 mile-marker. Trooper Michael stopped a 2013 red Ford Fusion for traveling 100 mph in a 70 mph zone. The Fusion stopped on Interstate 74 at Exit Ramp 39 to State Road 32. As Trooper Michael was walking up to the Fusion, the driver sped off at a high rate of speed. Trooper Michael returned to his vehicle and initiated a pursuit.
The vehicle continued on the exit ramp and turned to go westbound on State Road 32. Trooper Michael continued pursuing the vehicle westbound on State Road 32 until Woodland Heights Drive, where Deputy Thomen placed a tire deflation device across State Road 32. The Fusion struck the tire deflation device and came to a stop. Officers on scene safely took all three subjects from the Fusion into custody. Further investigation revealed the Fusion was reported stolen out of Iroquois, IL, and all three subjects in the vehicle were juveniles.
The Fusion was returned to its owner, and due to the three subjects in the Fusion being juveniles, their names will not be released.