Suspect arrested in Goodfield after multi-county police chase

GOEDVELD (25News Now) – A man has been arrested after allegedly fleeing police and stealing multiple vehicles during his escape.

Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins said the man, later identified by the Woodford County Sheriff as Elijah I. Sack, 20, of West Demoins, Iowa, is being held by the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office on local charges and will be charged in Peoria and Fulton counties as well.

His preliminary charges in Peoria County include motor vehicle theft, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing and eluding and numerous traffic charges.

Woodford County Sheriff Matt Smith said he is being held in the county on preliminary charges of obstructing a police officer, aggravated fleeing and eluding, possession of a stolen vehicle and trespassing on property.

Around 7:40 a.m., Peoria County deputies were notified of a stolen vehicle being pursued into the county by Fulton County deputies and Farmington police officers.

Watkins also said information was relayed that the suspect in the stolen vehicle also stole a vehicle in Iowa on Thursday.

Peoria County deputies began searching for the vehicle being chased and found it abandoned in the 2800 block of North Taylor Road, just east of Hanna City.

Watkins said it was learned that the suspect had also just stolen a vehicle from this location.

Peoria officers located the suspect, which led to the suspect fleeing again.

The suspect fled to Woodford County. Smith said they were notified by Peoria that the vehicle was a black Volkswagon Jetta that was allegedly stolen at knifepoint.

The suspect jumped out and fled on foot on County Road 200 North, just outside Goodfield.

Goodfield police later found the vehicle abandoned. Illinois State Police responded to locate the suspect via K-9. Woodford County has deployed a drone.

Watkins said the suspect fled from Peoria detectives a short time later before jumping into a lake and staying in the water for about 20 minutes.

Smith said a small boat was deployed and a negotiator was on scene who was able to negotiate with the suspect before he was talked out of the water and taken into custody.

Watkins said the suspect was uncooperative and refused to talk to investigators or identify himself. Smith said the man is described as a Hispanic male, 17-25 years old with a thin build.

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