LAWRENCE/RICHLAND Cos.—There was indeed a high-speed chase last night (May 6, 2013) between Lawrence County and Richland County, this according to those who live off U.S. Route 50 that cuts across both counties; we had eyewitnesses giving us a play-by-play account at one point (shortly before midnight).
However, because of the silence of law enforcement authorities, who are beholden to both the media and the public who pay their paychecks to advise when something of this nature has occurred, we don’t have very many details.
What we do know is that the chase was initiated by Lawrence County deputies at around 11:30 p.m. The suspect lead pursuing Lawrence officers into Richland, at times reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph. They passed Claremont Road with three to four law enforcement officers in pursuit.
At some point either just past Meridian Road or between Meridian and Ste. Marie Road, the suspect vehicle ended up in a ditch.
Illinois State Police reported to be enroute and were told that their assistance was not needed; that a female was in custody of Richland County and that another person was with her; however, who was the driver, as well as the gender of the other person, remains unknown presently. Identities are, of course unknown at this time.
Richland County has been FOIA’d over the incident.