2 counts of vehicle theft in several Illinois counties

KNOX Co., Ill. (KWQC) – Two people accused of stealing multiple vehicles in Knox County have also been linked to vehicle thefts in other Illinois counties, deputies said.

David Hammack, 35, and Sara Becker, 43, were charged in Knox County with three counts of vehicle theft, fleeing from officers, arson and destruction of personal property and possession of methamphetamine.

On October 20, deputies said they received a report of a theft that had occurred next to Gilson. The next day, deputies tried to stop traffic on the shoulder that was heading out through a cornfield.

On October 22, deputies responded to Illinois Route 97/Knox Road 300 N in reference to a vehicle fire in a field. The vehicle was identified as stolen next to Gilson, deputies said.

That same day, the sheriff’s office received a report of a stolen truck and trailer from Maquon. The truck and trailer were recorded by FLOCK cameras at 5:28 a.m. near Canton and on Oct. 23 at 4:14 p.m. near East Peoria.

On October 24, Knox County detectives contacted the East Peoria and Canton Police Departments to assist in the search for a stolen truck and trailer.

East Peoria police found a stolen vehicle outside a Peoria residence. A person was seen running from the driver’s seat when officers initiated a traffic stop and abandoned the vehicle.

The vehicle was identified as stolen, and police spoke to residents in the area to obtain possible video evidence. A citizen was able to share video of Knox County detectives observing and identifying the two suspects.

On October 25, the suspects were arrested in McDonough County on local charges and recovered from another stolen vehicle and camper.

After interviewing Knox County detectives, deputies determined that Hammack and Becker had stolen a vehicle in Fulton County, a vehicle in Whiteside County, a side-by-side camper and a truck with a trailer in Knox County.

According to the officers, they also had methamphetamine with them.

He added that all the stolen property had been recovered.

Hammack and Becker were transported to the Knox County Jail.

The McDonough County Sheriff’s Office, Canton Police, East Peoria Police and Peoria Police assisted in the arrest.