FREEPORT — A multi-jurisdictional pursuit that began in Freeport late Wednesday night ended in Savanna early Thursday morning with several law enforcement officers injured and a suspect in custody. 

According to the Carroll County (Ill.) Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 10:19 p.m. on June 25, Freeport Police responded to a report of a suspected stolen vehicle. When officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, nearly striking a squad car and another passing vehicle in the process. Officers ultimately lost sight of the vehicle during the pursuit, and it was terminated. 

Later in the evening, a Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle near Hanover. A short pursuit was initiated but was ultimately terminated.

The suspect was ultimately located near Savanna around 3:40 a.m. on June 26. During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect vehicle struck a squad car, disabling it. At approximately 3:45 a.m., the first radio transmission of shots fired was reported. The pursuit continued, involving officers and deputies from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Savanna Police Department, and Mount Carroll Police Department. A second report of shots fired was related at approximately 3:48 a.m.

Moments later, the suspect vehicle crashed at the intersection of Chicago Street and Park Street in Savanna. The vehicle subsequently struck a Mount Carroll Police Department squad car. At approximately 3:49 a.m., officers made physical contact with the suspect. Shortly thereafter, additional shots were fired, and emergency medical services were requested.

Multiple officers from the Savanna Police Department, Mount Carroll Police Department and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office were injured and transported to area hospitals with non-lifethreatening injuries. The suspect was also injured and was airlifted to a regional hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. 

In keeping with standard protocol, the Illinois State Police have taken over the investigation. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time, authorities said.