Chicago, IL – A high-speed wrong-way chase on I-57 led to a crash that injured an Illinois State Police trooper and resulted in the arrest of two suspects wanted for theft.
According to the Illinois State Police, the incident began Thursday when Country Club Hills police attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by two men—44-year-old William Oiler and 57-year-old Herbert Needom, both of Harvey—who were allegedly wanted in connection with a prior theft. The suspects fled the stop and drove the wrong direction onto I-57.
At approximately 1:05 p.m., the suspects’ vehicle collided head-on with a marked ISP squad car entering I-57 southbound from 159th Street. The trooper, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
After the crash, both suspects allegedly fled the scene on foot. Officers from the Markham Police Department located and arrested them a short time later. Both men also sustained injuries in the crash and were treated at a local hospital before being taken into custody by ISP special agents.
On Friday, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved multiple felony charges. Oiler faces one count of felony theft with a previous conviction and several counts related to fleeing police, including causing great bodily harm, damaging property over $300, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. Needom is also charged with possession of burglary tools in addition to felony theft.
Both suspects remain in custody pending a detention hearing. No further details have been released at this time.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
