Morris, IL – A 17-year-old male from Joliet was taken into custody Sunday night following a vehicle pursuit that stretched across multiple counties in northern Illinois.
According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, the chase began around 10:19 p.m. when deputies were alerted about a juvenile suspected of traveling toward Joliet or Minooka to allegedly shoot an unidentified male in connection to an earlier incident. Authorities reported the teen had stolen a firearm and vehicle from a business in Peru. An attempted traffic stop by Illinois State Police on I-80 failed when the vehicle fled the scene, with its last known location near Ottawa.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., Morris Police and deputies located the suspect vehicle driving recklessly near Route 6 by Arby’s in Morris. When officers attempted a second traffic stop on Bedford Road near Lisbon Road, the driver again fled, prompting a pursuit.
The chase continued eastbound on I-80 into Will County, then north on I-55 before heading south on Ridge Road. A Minooka officer deployed spike strips at Ridge Road and Midpoint Road, successfully deflating the vehicle’s tires. Officers then performed a PIT (Police Immobilization Technique) maneuver near Mondamin Road, disabling the vehicle.
The 17-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene. A loaded .38 caliber handgun was recovered from the vehicle.
The juvenile faces multiple charges, including aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated fleeing to elude a peace officer, reckless driving, speeding 105 mph in a 45-mph zone, and several traffic violations. He is currently being held at the LaSalle County Juvenile Detention Center awaiting a court appearance.
Illinois State Police Troop 2 also issued additional traffic citations in connection with the incident.
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!
