Dixon, IL – A Chicago man was arrested Sunday night in Dixon after allegedly fleeing police, crashing into another vehicle and being found with a firearm.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 9:40 p.m. when a deputy assisted Dixon police in locating a vehicle that had reportedly fled from officers earlier in the evening. The suspect’s vehicle was spotted near Dixon High School and attempted to evade a traffic stop by accelerating to 55 mph in a 30 mph zone while heading south on Peoria Avenue.
Authorities said the driver disobeyed stop signs at both Second Street and Third Street before colliding with another vehicle at Peoria Avenue and Third Street. Deputies searched the car and allegedly discovered a firearm inside. The driver, identified as Jaime Santiago, 59, of Chicago, was taken into custody.
Santiago was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude police, both Class 4 felonies. He also faces misdemeanor counts of possessing a firearm and ammunition without a FOID card, along with multiple traffic-related petty offenses, including speeding, operating without insurance, improper lighting and not having a valid driver’s license.
The sheriff’s office said Santiago was released under Illinois SAFE-T Act provisions pending court proceedings.
Officials reminded citizens that all charges are allegations and Santiago is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The sheriff’s office encouraged anyone with information on local crime to contact their office or Crime Stoppers, where tips can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if they lead to an arrest.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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