Harrisburg man faces four felonies after chase in stolen vehicle, police say

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARRIER MILLS, Ill., (KBSI) — An 18-year-old Harrisburg man faces four felony charges after police said he fled in a stolen vehicle, struck a police cruiser and crashed into a house.

Carrier Mills police Sgt. William Johnston was notified Sept. 2 that a gray Toyota RAV4 had been stolen near the Walmart in Harrisburg.

Johnston spotted the vehicle entering Carrier Mills along Carrier Mills Blacktop around 12:10 p.m.,Police said a passenger got out and ran when the driver saw the officer. The driver continued into the village and refused to stop, committing several traffic violations at dangerous speeds, according to police.

The driver lost control and struck a utility pole, breaking it in half. Police said he then reversed into a Carrier Mills police vehicle and continued fleeing before losing control again and crashing into a house, causing significant damage.

Police said the driver attempted to run but was taken into custody in a nearby yard.

The driver was identified as Jermaine J. Washington, 18, of Harrisburg. He is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal damage to state-supported property and criminal damage to property.

Washington is being held in the Saline County Jail without bond.

The passenger’s identity and whether that person was located were not released.

Washington is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.