On 02/17/25, at approximately 8:45am, a Henry County Deputy, responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in rural Orion. The vehicle, a maroon Dodge Challenger was reported stolen on 02/16/25 to the Moline Police Department.
The Deputy attempted a traffic stop with the vehicle, at which time, the vehicle attempted to flee and elude the Deputy’s attempts. The Deputy pursued the stolen vehicle through the rural areas of Henry and Knox Counties and then into the city limits of Galesburg. To end the pursuit, vehicle stop sticks were successfully deployed, which lead to the vehicle becoming disabled in the 1800 block of N. Henderson Street, Galesburg.
The driver and passenger of the stolen vehicle were taken into custody without further incident.
The driver was identified as Kenneth R. Stropes, age 42, of Geneseo, IL. Kenneth was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, reckless driving, failure to signal, and speeding. Kenneth was transported to the Henry County Jail.
A passenger was identified as Austin D. Meyer, age 28, of Moline, IL. Austin was arrested for possession of stolen vehicle. Austin was transported to the Henry County Jail.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Galesburg Police Department for their efforts and assistance with this incident.
A reminder suspect(s) are presumed innocent.
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Deputy Ben Franklin
***Courtesy of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page***
