High-speed chase results in wreck, arrest
DIXON – A high-speed chase through two counties Sunday afternoon ended when the suspect vehicle struck another car and then a utility pole. No one was injured.
Lee County deputies responded to a call at about 4 p.m. Sunday to assist Ogle County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Rochelle Police Department officers pursuing a suspected drunken driver near Rochelle. The pursuit entered Lee County, and proceeded south on U.S. Route 30, where the suspect vehicle turned west.
When the speed got too high, Lee County deputies ended the pursuit, but continued following the vehicle from a distance, the Lee County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
As the vehicle continued westbound on Route 30 and approached the intersection with Dutch Road, it struck an eastbound vehicle, went into a ditch and struck a utility pole.
Paul B. Bernier, 50, of Beloit, Wis., was arrested at the scene and charged with reckless driving, aggravated fleeing to elude, DUI, two counts of disobeying a stop sign, driving while license revoked, speeding 100 mph in a 55 mph zone, illegal transportation of alcohol and improper lane usage.
Bernier appeared in Lee County Court on Monday. Bond was set at $100,000, and a preliminary status hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday.
The incident remains under investigation.
