A Carroll County man was arrested yesterday morning following a high speed chase with police that started in Freeport and ended up near Mendota on I-39.
The incident began at around 9:15 as Freeport police responded to an alleged drunk driver at the Circle K gas station. The individual was identified as 29-year old Alec Pulley of Chadwick.
Reports indicate that Pulley left the gas station in his 2000 Buick and refused to stop for police. He also allegedly pointed a handgun twice at police. A Freeport officer fired several shots at the Pulley vehicle the 2nd time the gun was pointed. The Northwest Illinois Major Case Squad will investigate the use of force by the officer.
Pulley left the Freeport area on U.S 20 where the chase began with Illinois State Police. He then turn southbound on I-39.
Newstalk 1060 saw the chase about 10 miles north of Rochelle on I-39. There was at least a dozen police vehicles that were involved in the chase as Pulley would not stop his car.
He eventually crashed in the median on I-39 near Mendota. Pulley was taken into custody at that time.
He was then transported to Mendota Community Hospital and treated and released for minor injuries.
Speeds during the chase reached as high as 100 miles per hour on U.S. 20 along with I-39 as the incident involved 4 counties and lasted over 1 hour.
Ogle County Sheriff's Police and Rochelle Police put stop sticks on I-39. They were able to flatten 2 of Pulley's tires on his car.
Charges against Pulley include aggravated fleeing to elude police, unlawful use of a weapon, and DUI. He also has a felony warrant out of Stephenson County. Past convictions include burglary, theft, and possession of a controlled substance.
No police officers were hurt during the chase. Pulley's handgun was recovered when taken into custody.
No Illinois State Police officer fired their gun. The chase remains under investigation.
