On Friday, August 1, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Will County Sheriff’s deputies on routine patrol identified a stolen vehicle out of Joliet near Essington Road and Route 126.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop, however, the vehicle fled and struck an occupied Sheriff’s patrol vehicle during the attempted escape. The impact disabled the fleeing vehicle. Thankfully, the deputy and his K9 partner inside the patrol vehicle were unharmed.

The stolen vehicle was occupied by five juveniles. Three of the individuals immediately fled on foot. The deputy whose vehicle had been struck successfully apprehended the driver after a short foot pursuit.

A perimeter was quickly established and with the aid of a Sheriff’s Department drone, the remaining two individuals who had fled were located and taken into custody in a nearby wooded area.

The 15-year-old driver has been charged with multiple offenses, including:

Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle

 

Resisting Arrest

 

Criminal Damage to Government Property

 

No Valid Driver’s License

 

Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident

 

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

 

Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle

 

Operating a Vehicle Without Insurance

 

The four remaining juvenile passengers were released to the custody of their parents without charges at this time.

 

Sheriff Mike Kelley extends his gratitude to the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force for their swift response and valuable assistance during this incident.