On Monday, April 15th at approximately 5:40 p.m., Lee County Dispatch received a call of trespassing on property in the 1000 block of Inlet Road. While Deputies were enroute to the area, the homeowner followed the trespassers. Deputies were able to locate the homeowner and one trespasser on Schmitt Road near Fell Road. Once on scene, Deputies were able to determine what had transpired.
Three juveniles had trespassed on the Inlet Road property on dirt bikes and then left the area. The homeowner followed the juveniles in a side-by-side utility vehicle. Once the juveniles realized the homeowner was following them, they separated and attempted to flee. The homeowner followed one juvenile and pulled up next to him three times to get him to stop.
The incident ended approximately three miles from where it began, on private property of the Richardson Wildlife Foundation. The homeowner rear-ended the dirt bike with his side-by-side, and the juvenile crashed the dirt bike. The homeowner then struck a tree that damaged his side-by-side. As a result of the crash, the juvenile was transported to Mendota Hospital by Amboy Ambulance where they were treated and released for injuries sustained in the collision.
As a result of the incident, the homeowner identified as Max Muetze, age 38, was arrested and charged with the following. Reckless Driving, a Class A Misdemeanor, Aggravated Reckless Driving, a Class 4 Felony, Trespassing – Ordinance Violation (for trespassing on Richardson Wildlife Foundation property during the chase)
Muetze was processed at the jail and released from custody with a court date. The juvenile will be issued Ordinance Violation for Trespassing at a later date.
Citizens are reminded to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (815) 284-6631 or Crime stoppers at 1-888-CAUGHT-U. Callers can remain anonymous and receive rewards of up to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest.
All charges are merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
