Kankakee, IL – A Kankakee man was taken into custody Tuesday after allegedly dragging a sheriff’s deputy with his vehicle during a failed traffic stop in Bourbonnais.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Tuesday morning, shortly after 9 a.m., when a deputy pulled over a vehicle displaying a suspended registration. The driver, identified as 21-year-old Erik Sostenes of Kankakee, reportedly exited the vehicle but quickly re-entered in an attempt to flee as the deputy engaged him.
Authorities said a physical altercation followed as the deputy tried to stop Sostenes. During the struggle, Sostenes allegedly accelerated while the deputy was partially inside the vehicle, dragging the officer several feet before he was thrown to the pavement. Sostenes then allegedly fled the scene at a high rate of speed, entering a congested, single-lane construction zone. Officials terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns for officers, motorists, and construction crews in the area.
Sostenes was later apprehended and is facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery to a police officer, aggravated fleeing and eluding, resisting a peace officer, and reckless driving.
“The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office will never tolerate acts of violence against our deputies for simply doing their jobs—enforcing the laws on the books,” Sheriff Mike Downey said in a statement. He also voiced concern over legislative reforms that he believes contribute to greater risks for law enforcement.
No further injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Sostenes remains in custody as the investigation continues.
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