Walworth County, WI – An Illinois man was arrested after authorities say he led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit in a stolen vehicle that ended when the vehicle crashed into a gas line and caught fire in Walworth County.
According to the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began at approximately 3:09 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, when dispatchers were notified that a vehicle reported stolen from Round Lake Heights, Illinois, was involved in a pursuit with McHenry County deputies before entering Wisconsin.
Investigators said the stolen vehicle traveled westbound on Highway 12 before turning onto County Highway B in Genoa City, where deputies allege it exceeded 100 mph while driving on sidewalks through the village. A Walworth County deputy later located the vehicle, but authorities said the driver failed to stop after emergency lights and sirens were activated.
According to the sheriff’s office, the pursuit continued at speeds of approximately 85 mph before the vehicle allegedly ran a stop sign at Spring Creek Road and County Highway H, left the roadway, and struck a gas line, which immediately ignited.
Authorities said the driver fled through the rear window and ran into a nearby tree line, where he allegedly ignored commands from deputies. A Walworth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was deployed and took the suspect into custody.
The driver, identified as Brandon M. Jimenez of Illinois, was transported to a nearby hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Walworth County Jail. Authorities said he faces several criminal charges related to the incident in Walworth County.
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office noted that the charges are allegations, and Jimenez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
