MONTGOMERY, IL — Montgomery police are investigating a vehicle theft that turned violent early Tuesday after a resident interrupted the taking of a 2018 Dodge Durango parked in a driveway. Officers were called around 4 a.m. to the 2400 block of Mayfield Drive for reports of shots fired.
Police said the resident became aware the SUV was being stolen and tried to stop the thieves. Shots were fired during that encounter, but no injuries were reported. The offenders left in the Durango and also abandoned another stolen vehicle that investigators said was tied to an earlier theft in Aurora.
License plate readers and cameras tracked the Durango north
Law enforcement agencies were able to follow the stolen SUV using license plate readers in the area. The vehicle was first tracked heading north, and Kane County Sheriff’s Police spotted it and began a pursuit along Orchard Road.
That chase ended when the Durango went eastbound on Interstate 88. After that, Flock Safety cameras kept tracking the SUV for several hours and eventually showed it had made its way into Chicago. Police have not said where in Chicago it was first located, only that the camera trail kept the vehicle under observation for hours.
Illinois State Police ended the next-night pursuit with three detainees
The following night, Illinois State Police found the stolen vehicle and started another pursuit. That chase ended with three people detained, and authorities said two of them remained in custody. Police also recovered a firearm during the apprehension.
Investigators are now looking into whether that gun is connected to the shots fired in Montgomery. Detectives from the Montgomery Police Department and multiple partner agencies are continuing to collect evidence as the case develops.
Detectives are still gathering ballistic and forensic evidence
Montgomery detectives are working with several agencies, including Aurora Police, Kane County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Kendall County Major Crimes, Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office and KenCom Public Safety. Police said the cooperation has helped them move from the initial theft call to the later recovery efforts.
The investigation remains open as officers review ballistic and forensic information. Authorities have not released details about the people detained or said whether additional charges are expected.
Police urge residents to lock vehicles and save surveillance video
After the incident, Montgomery police reminded residents to keep vehicles locked and remove valuables from them whenever possible. They also advised using garages for vehicle storage, keeping exterior lights on overnight and considering security cameras that store several days of footage.
Officials said people should call 911 if they hear or see suspicious activity and should not approach or confront suspected offenders. Anyone with information, or video that may help investigators, can contact Detective Luke Lindholm at 331-212-9050 or llindholm@ci.montgomery.il.us.
