Suspect arrested in Goodfield after multi-county police chase

GOOD FIELD (25News now) – A man has been arrested after allegedly fleeing from police and stealing multiple vehicles while on the run.

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 Also in Fulton Counties.

His preliminary charges in Peoria County include theft of a motor vehicle, 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.

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

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

Peoria County police officers searched for the wanted vehicle and found it abandoned in the 2800 block of North Taylor Road, east of Hanna City.

Watkins said he learned the suspect had just allegedly stolen a vehicle from that location.

Peoria deputies found the suspect, which led to him fleeing again.

The suspect fled to Woodford County. Smith said Peoria notified them that the vehicle was a black Volkswagon Jetta that had allegedly been stolen at knifepoint.

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

Goodfield police later found the abandoned vehicle. Illinois State Police searched for the suspect using a K-9. Woodford County deployed a drone.

Watkins said the suspect fled Peoria detectives moments later, then jumped into the lake and remained in the water for about 20 minutes.

Smith said a small boat was dispatched and a negotiator arrived on scene and was able to negotiate with the suspect before removing him from the water and arresting him.

Watkins said the suspect was uncooperative and did not want to talk to investigators or identify himself. Smith said the man was described as a Latino, 17-25 years old, with a slim build.

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