High-Speed Pursuit Suspect Who Escaped From Hospital Arrested in Western Illinois

Billy Cole Jr. was arrested in Quincy, Illinois on Thursday morning according to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Marshals and the Adams County Sheriff's Office apprehended Cole at a relative's home without incident.

A sheriff's deputy saw Cole speeding on Monday. When the deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop, Cole led police on a high-speed pursuit and crashed into a traffic signal near Route 25 and Ashland Avenue in Aurora.

While Cole's passenger, identified by police as 37-year-old Brian Ingram, suffered potentially life-threatening injuries, Cole was able to escape the crash on foot, fleeing into a nearby cemetery, according to Lt. Patrick Gengler of the Kane County Sheriff's Office. Ingram was transported to Rush-Copley Hospital after the crash.

Gengler said the car had been reported stolen to Aurora police.

A deputy in pursuit gave Cole several commands to stop before releasing his K9, Gengler said. Cole was able to climb a fence to avoid the dog, and the deputy walked through an opening in the fence and ordered Cole to the ground, police said. When Cole did not comply, the deputy drew his Taser and again ordered Cole onto the ground, and this time he surrendered, according to Gengler.

Cole was taken to Rush-Copley Hospital, where he remained overnight. At around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kane County deputies learned that Cole had fled from the hospital, Gengler said. Deputies were still looking to apprehend Cole as of late Tuesday afternoon, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on the following charges:

• Aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude a Police Officer
• Aggravated reckless driving causing great bodily harm, disability or disfigurement
• Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident
• Driving on a revoked license where 2 or more persons were injured
• Driving on a revoked license while license is revoked for DUI
• Resisting or obstructing a peace officer
• Disobeying a stop sign

Map showing Quincy, Illinois, powered by Google

Photo provided by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office