Morris, IL – A high-speed pursuit along Interstate 80 in Grundy County allegedly ended with two Chicago men in custody following a multi-agency response Tuesday evening.
According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 8:36 p.m. Tuesday after deputies received information tied to a vehicle allegedly connected to a retail theft investigation out of Peru, Illinois. Authorities said another agency had attempted a traffic stop before the vehicle reportedly fled eastbound on Interstate 80.
Officials stated the vehicle allegedly traveled at high speeds, struck deployed stop sticks, and at one point crossed the median, driving eastbound in the westbound lanes before returning to the proper direction of travel. The pursuit came to an end near mile marker 110 in Morris after deputies reportedly used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle.
After the vehicle stopped, both occupants allegedly fled on foot. Authorities said the driver exited and surrendered shortly after, while deputies deployed a drone to locate the second individual. The second suspect was reportedly found in a backyard in the 1800 block of Harbor Drive. Investigators also allegedly recovered merchandise from the vehicle believed to be connected to the earlier retail theft.
Lavon Reed, 21, of Chicago, was allegedly charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding a peace officer. Deandre Dumas, 34, of Chicago, was allegedly charged with obstructing a peace officer. Both men were transported to the Grundy County Jail.
The Morris Police Department assisted in the response. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and is being handled in part by the Peru Police Department.
