Several Hospitalized As Joliet Suspect Flees Sheriff's Deputies, Crashes Into Cars On Jefferson: Sheriff

JOLIET, IL ? Several motorists in Joliet were injured and rushed to St. Joe's hospital after Will County Sheriff's officials say a suspect sped away from them at excessive speeds, colliding with other vehicles on Joliet's West Jefferson Street at Oneill Street.

According to sheriff's office spokesman Kevin Hedemark, Thursday's major collision happened around 12:30 p.m. He believed that more than four people were taken to St. Joe's Hospital, including the fleeing criminal suspect who caused the crash.

Hedemark said it's his understanding that nobody's injuries were life-threatening.

According to Will County, sheriff's deputies were conducting an investigation in the area of Joliet's west side and when they tried to take someone into custody, the person sped away at a high rate of speed going eastbound on Jefferson Street.

Although Will County maintained that the deputies did not pursue the fleeing motorist, the person had a wreck with several other vehicles near the Reed Street stop light.

Hedemark said his agency will release more information, including details of any criminal charges for the offender, late Thursday night or Friday morning.