Byron police responded to a reckless driver report Friday afternoon after a red Chevrolet Silverado was seen swerving across both lanes on Route 2. Officers spotted the vehicle, which struck a pedestrian sign near Blackhawk Meadows Park before the driver ignored a traffic stop, fleeing through city streets at speeds over 70 mph.
The pursuit was called off near Kennedy Hill Road, but authorities found the vehicle shortly after. The suspect, identified as Kyle Keith, 37 of Rockford, tried to escape by swimming across the Rock River. A coordinated effort involving drones, boats, and a water rescue team led to Keith’s arrest without further incident.
Keith is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.