Vehicle Theft Getaway Thwarted By Mokena Officers: Police

MOKENA, IL — Quick action by the Mokena Police Department led to the arrest of a car thief as he attempted to flee from officers, police said.

Raequan L. McGee, 20, of the 11100 block of Emerald Avenue in Chicago, was charged with motor vehicle theft, unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude, and multiple other traffic offenses, according to Mokena Police Department Interim Chief Brian Benton.

At approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mokena police received information about a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 that had just been stolen from a restaurant parking lot in the 19800 block of South LaGrange Road, according to reports.

Officers spotted the vehicle, being driven by McGee, and attempted to pull it over, police said. McGee attempted to drive away, but crashed into a curb on the Interstate 80 ramp, flattening the Mercedes' tires, according to police.

With the Mercedes disabled, McGee attempted to flee from officers on foot as a second vehicle, which was not identified by police, pulled in front of officers and suddenly braked, causing a Mokena PD squad car to crash into the back of the vehicle, police said.

According to police, officers continued to chase McGee on foot, eventually capturing him and placing him under arrest. Officers found a semi-automatic handgun near where McGee was captured, police said.

The driver of the second vehicle was able to escape.

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