On October 20, 2024 at approximately 10:15 A.M. a side by side was reported stolen in Gilson, IL. The following day at 11:59 P.M. Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on the side by side which ultimately fled into a cornfield.
On October 22, 2024 Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Illinois Route 97/Knox Road 300 N for a vehicle fire in a field which was ultimately identified as the stolen side by side from Gilson, IL.
On October 22, 2024 a report was taken for a stolen truck and trailer from Maquon, IL. The truck and trailer were observed on FLOCK cameras at 5:28 A.M. in the area of Canton, IL and on 10/23/2024 at 4:14 P.M. in the area of East Peoria.
On October 24, 2024 Knox County Detectives reached out to East Peoria and Canton Police Departments to assist in searching for the stolen truck and trailer. East Peoria PD located the stolen vehicle in front of a residence in Peoria, IL. A suspect was seen fleeing from the drivers seat as officers initiated a traffic stop and abandoned the vehicle. The vehicle was positively identified as our stolen vehicle and a neighborhood canvas was conducted to obtain any possible video evidence. A citizen was able to provide video where 2 suspects were observed and identified by Knox County Detectives.
On October 25, 2024 The suspects were taken into custody in McDonough County on local charges and were found in possession of another stolen vehicle and stolen camper. After Knox County Detectives conducted interviews, it was determined the suspects had stolen a vehicle in Fulton County, a vehicle in Whiteside County, a side by side, camper, and truck and trailer in Knox County. The suspects were found to be in possession of methamphetamine.
All the stolen property has been recovered. We would like to thank McDonough County Sheriff’s Office, Canton PD, East Peoria PD and Peoria PD for their assistance. The individuals that were in possession of the items were placed under arrest and transported to the Knox County Jail.
David A. Hammack 35 y/o (W/M) was booked with the following charges:
Motor Vehicle Theft (3 counts)
Arson-Dam Real/Personal Property-Value>$150
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer
Methamphetamine Possession
Sara J. Becker 43 y/o (W/F) was booked with the following charges:
Motor Vehicle Theft (3 counts)
Arson-Dam Real/Personal Property-Value>$150
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer
Methamphetamine Possession
All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
***Courtesy of the Knox County Sheriff’s Facebook Page***
