Morris, IL – A wanted fugitive was arrested Friday night following a high-speed pursuit, foot chase, and drone-assisted search in rural Grundy County, authorities said.
According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted a traffic stop around 8:55 p.m. on October 10, 2025, after a black Mercedes nearly collided with a patrol car exiting I-55 onto Route 47 near Gardner. The driver, later identified as Cameron Cudney, 32, of Oakwood, Illinois, allegedly provided a false name before fleeing northbound at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Deputies said Cudney was wanted on active warrants in Lawrence, Vermilion, and Ogle Counties for burglary and fleeing police. After losing sight of the vehicle due to traffic, investigators coordinated with the Danville Police Department and used a cellphone ping to locate the Mercedes abandoned in a cornfield near Goodfarm and Old Mazon Roads.
A drone search found the vehicle roughly 80 yards into the corn, unoccupied. Deputies later used thermal imaging to locate Cudney walking through a nearby field. When he allegedly ignored commands and attempted to flee, he was apprehended and found carrying $10,296 in suspected burglary proceeds. A search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine and a pipe, deputies said.
Cudney was transported to the Grundy County Jail and booked on preliminary charges of obstructing justice, driving while license suspended, aggravated fleeing to elude, and possession of methamphetamine.
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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