Pursuit following railroad theft ends in New Lenox; one suspect at large

NEW LENOX, Ill. – A reported cargo theft in Wilmington Township sparked a multi-jurisdictional pursuit Saturday morning that ended with a crash and a manhunt in a New Lenox neighborhood.

The incident began at approximately 7:24 a.m. on Jan. 31, when Will County Sheriff’s deputies received a report from Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Police regarding a possible theft in progress at a railroad crossing near Lorenzo and Cottage roads.

Upon arrival at the scene in Wilmington Township, deputies observed several individuals wearing ski masks inside two vehicles—a black van and a gray SUV—positioned near the train tracks. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, both vehicles fled the area, leading officers on a high-speed chase northbound on Interstate 55.

During the pursuit on I-55, one of the suspect vehicles struck a civilian car. Authorities continued to track the suspects as they exited the interstate, with one of the vehicles eventually coming to a stop near the intersection of Francis Road and Vine Street in New Lenox.

A large police presence descended on the area as officers from the Will County Sheriff’s Office, New Lenox Police, Channahon Police, Wilmington Police, and BNSF Police established a perimeter.

Law enforcement successfully took one individual into custody at the scene. That suspect was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. BNSF Police are currently working with the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding charges.

A second suspect, who fled the vehicle in New Lenox on foot, remains at large. Police have described the individual as a Black male last seen wearing a ski mask and a gray hooded sweatshirt.

Authorities highlight that the response was a joint effort involving municipal and railway police agencies to address the theft and secure the residential area where the pursuit terminated.