MONROE — Police continue to investigate whether to bring local charges against a Freeport man who last week led them on a high-speed chase from Monroe to Freeport, ending in the eventual arrest of the 49-year-old Illinois driver.

The ordeal began last Wednesday, March 29, with a shoplifting accusation at Monroe’s Walmart store, said Police Chief Fred Kelley. The two suspects then headed south to Freeport via Wis. 69/Illinois 26 and a chase ensued involving multiple jurisdictions.

“Items were taken, the persons involved fled from the loss prevention people, and got into a vehicle, fleeing,” he said. “Our officer saw the vehicle, caught up at the south end of the city, pursued south on South [Wis.] 69. Eventually the officer terminated the pursuit when it became dangerous, near the state line.”

Once in Freeport, officers there quickly spotted the vehicle and gave chase, according Lt. Brad Curtis of the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office.

“He (the driver) came to town and it wasn’t very long…until he tried to drive through a yard,” and struck a tree, said the lieutenant.

The driver, Melvin Bradford of Freeport, was arrested without incident and now faces aggravated felony fleeing to elude and possession of drug paraphernalia charges in Stephenson County, Curtis said, adding that the female occupant of the fleeing car was not arrested or immediately accused of any crimes there. There were no significant injuries.

The fleeing to elude charge is a Class 4 Felony in Illinois, punishable by up three years in prison.

Meanwhile the investigation in Monroe continues.

“We have not charged anyone at this point with Wisconsin charges,” said Kelley. “We’re still working on the case…”

Online court records show no known arrest records for Bradford in Green County. But he pleaded guilty to another felony theft charge in Stephenson County, on March 3, court records indicate.

Bradford is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the charges at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 6, in Stephenson County Circuit Court.