Man Nearly Hits St. John Police Car Then Fled
On Friday 9/10/2021 at about 3:50 am, a St. John Police officer was traveling eastbound on 93rd Ave through the intersection of Wicker Ave when a black Jeep Cherokee ran the red light traveling southbound through the intersection at about 50 mph, nearly striking the squad car, according to St John Public Information Officer Roger Patz.
The officer attempted to stop the vehicle which refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The suspect vehicle continued south on Wicker Ave and then turned right on 97th Lane, traveling westbound in the eastbound lane.
The pursuit continued through the subdivision and then eventually came back to 97th Lane and Wicker Ave where the suspect vehicle evaded three additional squad cars. The suspect vehicle crossed Wicker Ave and drove into the shopping area and then continued south on Earl Dr. The vehicle then reached the closed gate at Alsip Nursery and surrendered to officers, Patz stated.
The driver was identified as Samuel J. McMaken, 20 of Oxford Michigan. He was taken to the Lake County Jail on a charge of Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony along with numerous traffic violations. The suspect gave no indication as to why he refused to stop for law enforcement.
