At approximately 4:22 p.m. on June 23, 2016 Clinton Police received a report of the theft of a vehicle from the 300 block of North Jackson Street.

The victim reported having parked the vehicle at an apartment complex for a short time before returning to discover the vehicle missing. Clinton Police initiated an investigation and summoned the assistance of area law enforcement agencies in locating the stolen vehicle.

At approximately 6:15 p.m. a Dewitt County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the vehicle traveling in the area of Washington Street and Illinois Route 54 on the east side of Clinton. Upon activating emergency lights in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle, the driver fled from the deputy at a high rate of speed until crashing into a cornfield at the intersection of East Main Street and Magill Street.

The occupants of the vehicle then fled the crash on foot and a subsequent search ensued. Three juvenile suspects were identified and later located.

A 14 year old juvenile was taken into custody and held on preliminary charges of theft of a vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing from a police officer and multiple traffic related offenses.

Assisting in the response and investigation was the Dewitt County Sheriff’s Department, Macon County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement, Clinton Fire Department and Dewitt County EMS.   

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.