Ottawa, IL – A man escaped police custody in Ottawa on Saturday, leading to a swift search effort. Officers initially arrested Derek Ray Hornick, 46, on an outstanding warrant for violating conditions of pretrial release. Streator Police detained Hornick at approximately 1:11 p.m. and transferred him to LaSalle County deputies for transport to the county jail.
According to the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, Hornick escaped while en route, fleeing from the squad car near Lincoln and Columbus Streets in Ottawa. Authorities launched an immediate search after Hornick fled, with both Ottawa Police and Sheriff’s deputies responding to the area.
At 2:57 p.m., Ottawa police located Hornick in an alley behind 812 LaSalle Street, where he continued to evade arrest. Officers ultimately used a Taser to subdue Hornick, taking him back into custody. Following his recapture, paramedics transported Hornick to Ottawa Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident.
The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, with support from Ottawa Police, is investigating the circumstances surrounding Hornick’s escape.
