McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout reports the arrest of Justin W. Patten, 36, of Burlington, IA.
On April 5, 2021 at 12:14 p.m. the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a female inside of a vehicle traveling north of Macomb on University Drive. Dispatchers were aware that the same vehicle was involved in a police chase earlier in the day in Knox County. A State Police ISPERN was generated describing the vehicle as a 2009 black Dodge Caliber with a female occupant who was in need of the police.
At 12:44 p.m. the Macomb Police Department observed the vehicle make several traffic violations and the black Dodge Caliber sped north out of Macomb failing to yield to the officers’ request to stop. The McDonough County Sheriff’s Office then took over the pursuit northbound on U.S. Highway 67 towards Illinois Route 9. The suspect vehicle then turned west on Illinois Route 9. Deputies continued to pursue the vehicle due to the female caller having an open line with our dispatcher.
The suspect vehicle then ran out of fuel and drove into a field entrance near 4950 Illinois Highway 9. The male suspect, Justin W. Patten, then ran from sheriff’s deputies south through a field. After a short foot pursuit, Patten was arrested. The female passenger was then treated by Blandinsville Fire Rescue for her injuries.
Patten was transported to the McDonough County Jail and lodged in lieu of bond. Patten was wanted in Iowa on a Department of Corrections warrant for Escape.
Patten was also charged with Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Driving on a Suspended License, Speeding, Domestic Battery, Unlawful Restraint, and Interfering with a Domestic Violence Call. Patten will also face charges in Knox County for similar offenses.
The McDonough County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the 911 Dispatchers who took the call and provided the necessary assistance to the victim. April 12th starts Telecommunications Week and we encourage the public to recognize our Telecommunicators for the hard work they do every day.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
***Report Courtesy of the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office***
