WOODHULL, Ill. – A driver fleeing a traffic stop sped through cornfields before arrest in rural Henry County.
According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 7:16 p.m. Wednesday (March 4) near Illinois Highway 17 and 980 East outside Woodhull.
A patrol deputy reportedly observed a vehicle operating without taillights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Authorities say the driver failed to stop, prompting a pursuit.
During the chase, the driver allegedly left the roadway and drove into nearby cornfields, accelerating to speeds above the posted limit while attempting to evade law enforcement.
The pursuit ended near 1800 East and 700 North in rural Galva, where officials say the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a brief search, deputies located and apprehended the suspect.
Authorities identified the driver as 30-year-old Matthew D. Reges.
According to the sheriff’s office, Reges faces multiple alleged charges including:
- Driving without required lights
- Driving while license suspended
- Operating an uninsured vehicle
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to signal
- Improper lane usage
- Disobeying a stop sign
- Speeding 26–34 mph over the posted limit
- Reckless driving
- Aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer
Officials said Reges was transported to the Henry County Jail, where he is being held pending court proceedings.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Galva Police Department, Kewanee Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for assisting during the incident.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The incident occurred along rural roadways commonly used by local commuters and farm traffic.
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