A Henry County patrol sergeant attempted a traffic stop on Route 78 near Hooppole early Friday afternoon after spotting a black vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver refused to pull over, instead leading deputies on a chase that reached speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. During the pursuit, occupants reportedly discarded a firearm and a magazine from the window, which authorities later recovered. The chase was called off near Annawan city limits, but deputies soon located the vehicle and two juveniles near the Annawan school campus. One juvenile was detained and is facing multiple charges, including aggravated fleeing and unlawful use of a weapon. Schools were briefly locked down during the incident. No injuries reported. The investigation continues.
“The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Geneseo and Kewanee Police Departments, the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Henry County Probation Department for their assistance.”
The juvenile has been charged with speeding 73 mph in a 55 mph zone, speeding 120 mph in a 55 mph zone, aggravated fleeing and eluding, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card, and unlawful possession of a firearm.